A Quezon City court acquitted the former national president of a militant transport group of charges linked to his role in leading a nationwide transport strike in 2017 to protest the government's public utility vehicle modernization program (PUVMP). 

Quezon City Metropolitan Trial Court Branch 43 Judge Don Ace Mariano Alagar acquitted Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (Piston) president emeritus George San Mateo for violation of Section 20 of Commonwealth Act No. 146, the Public Service Act.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) filed the complaint against San Mateo in 2017, claiming that he “unlawfully” ordered Piston members to hold the transport strike, leaving numerous commuters stranded and forcing the government to suspend work and classes. 

In his nine-page decision, Alagar said the prosecution failed to prove the guilt of the Piston official beyond reasonable doubt.

“As can be inferred from the testimony, it is clear that the said prosecution witness had no first-hand knowledge of the participation or role of the accused in the said strike. His testimony was purely based on the reports handed to him by his subordinates who likewise had no personal knowledge of the active participation of the accused granting that they testified,” the decision, dated December 2, read. 

“There was likewise no further investigation conducted that Piston members and/or other public transport utility group, organization, or its members were indeed advised, solicited, persuaded, influenced, or dictated by the accused to conduct a transport strike. The Supreme Court in various cases has repeatedly ruled that conviction based merely on speculation and conjecture cannot satisfy the question of evidence required for a pronouncement of guilt,” it added.

“Accused cannot be convicted on basis alone of being the president of Piston. His acts and omissions must be proven with certainty in order to hold him criminally liable,” Alagar said in his decision. 

San Mateo thanked the court for its decision, saying that it is a triumph for the rights of jeepney drivers and small-time operators. 

“Ang pagkakabasura ng korte sa kasong isinampa sa inyong lingkod ng LTFRB Central Office ay matuturing na tagumpay sa karapatan ng mga PUV drivers, maliliit na operators at mamamayan na magsagawa ng mapayapang sama-sama at militanteng kilos-protesta upang ipahayag ang ating mga lehitimong karaingan at kahilingan (The court's decision to junk the case that was filed against me by the LTFRB Central Office can be considered a victory for the rights of PUV drivers, small-time operators, and individuals who conduct peaceful protest actions to express legitimate concerns and wishes),” he said in a statement issued on Monday. 

The Piston president emeritus vowed to continue to fight against the looming jeepney phaseout, that is set to be fully implemented in 2021.