BACOLOD CITY – A group of traditional jeepney drivers here staged a protest against the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program on Tuesday, January 16.
TRADITIONAL jeepney drivers oppose the PUVMP during a rally in front of the Fountain of Justice in Bacolod City on Tuesday, January 16. (Photo courtesy of VJ Apacible)
Drivers and members of the Bacolod Alliance for Commuters Operators and Drivers (Bacod)-Negros holding placards rejecting the PUVMP occupied two lanes in front of the Fountain of Justice on Araneta St.
They honked the horn of their vehicles to let the government hear their call for a five-year franchise. The group said that they will not back down in their fight against the PUVMP.
Police Major Elmer Bonilla, head of Police Station 1, said the protest caused traffic in the area but it was manageable.
Some vehicles just used one lane to pass while the protest which lasted for about two hours was being conducted.
Bonilla said that policemen and traffic enforcers were deployed to ensure order in the area.
Protesters proceeded afterwards to the Bacolod City Government Center for another rally.
Later that day, Bacod-Manibela held a rally and candle lighting at the Fountain of Justice.
Rudy Catedral, Bacod-Manibela president, said that they will continue to oppose the government’s plan for the transport sector as it will greatly affect the riding public and the livelihood of the traditional jeepney drivers and operators.
Catedral is asking for public understanding as he said they are doing these actions for the good of everyone. He said that their protest action is part of the simultaneous rally of transport groups nationwide.
Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez said he is asking the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) for a status quo on the PUVMP while they are addressing the consolidation process which is required under the modernization program.
Based on LTFRB data, only 23 percent or 540 out of 2,313 traditional jeepneys here have consolidated into a cooperative or a corporation.