The Taguig City government said it is ready to deploy vehicles to provide “libreng sakay” (free rides) to people during the planned nationwide transport strike from Nov. 20 to 22.
Members of the Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operators Nationwide (PISTON) will be holding the transport strike to protest the government’s planned jeepney modernization program.
PISTON is protesting the PUV modernization program of the government (PISTON)
“Nakahanda ang pamahalaang lungsod kung kakailanganing magbigay ng libreng sakay sa mga ruta na maaapektuhan ng nakaambang na tigil-pasada sa Nobyembre 20-22, 2023 (The city government is ready, if needed, to provide free rides along routes that will be affected by the transport strike on November 20-22, 2023),” the city government posted on Facebook.
PISTON is protesting the government’s imposition of the Dec. 31 deadline for the application for franchise consolidation under the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).
PISTON National President Mody Floranda said the group is not satisfied with the recent proposed amendments to the Omnibus Franchising Guidelines (OFG), adding that their demands to repeal the franchise consolidation component of the program and suspend the entire PUVMP have not been met.
PISTON demands the following:
• Scrap the franchise consolidation requirement and allow those who previously complied to withdraw their individual franchises.
• Restore the five-year franchises for all PUVs and all modified PUV routes.
• Provide immediate cash aid and reasonable financial support for all affected PUV drivers and small operators.
• Uphold the right to freedom of association and respect the right to strike.
• Implement a pro-people just transition in public transport modernization anchored on a program of local and national industrialization instead of overly relying on imported vehicles.
The Taguig City government said for those who have questions or need assistance, they may call the Command Center at (02)87893200 or go to the City Assistance Desk in the following hubs/stations:
District 1
1. Bagumbayan - (Dulo)
2. Cayetano Blvd. - (Global Gas Station)
3. Sta. Ana - (Plaza)
4. Napindan - (Police Station)
District 2
5. DOST - (Kanto)
6. Tenement - (Caltex Station)
7. Waterfun - (JODA Terminal)
8. Diego Silang - (Petron)
9. Gate 3 - (Terminal)
10. Market! Market! - (Common Terminal)
11. Arca South - (Common Terminal)
EMBOs
12. Pateros Bridge (J.P. Rizal)
13. Uptown (BGC, Kalayaan)