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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Poe on transport strike: Symptoms of still unsettled transport woes

Poe on transport strike: Symptoms of still unsettled transport woes

Published Apr 29, 2024 06:39 am

For Sen. Grace Poe, the continued conduct of transport strikes is an indication of a still unsettled issue in the transport sector.

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Activist groups together with jeepney drivers post placards during the first day of transport strike against the government's public utility vehicle (PUV) Modernization and Consolidation Program, whose registration will end on April 30, at a terminal in Pedro Gil St. in Manila on Monday, April 29, 2024. (Noel Pabalate)

"Valid questions have been raised about the jeepney modernization program that have remained unresolved like the price of the vehicle, source of funding, and routes," Poe who chairs the Senate Committee on Public Services said on Monday, April 29.

"Wala namang tsuper ang ayaw magkaroon ng bagong jeepney na aircon, mas bago at environment-friendly. Pero kakayanin bang bayaran ang jeepney na higit isang milyon ang halaga? (No driver would not want a new airconditioned jeepney that is environment-friendly. But will they be able to pay for its cost that is up to a million?)" she added.

The senator also mentioned that there might be a lack of jeepneys for commuters if the cooperatives or corporations would not be able to acquire an ample amount of units.

"Lahat ba ng ruta sa kasalukuyan ay maseserbisyuhan ng modern jeep? (Can the modern jeep ply all the current routes?)" she said.

She added that it's not easy to conduct a strike since there's the fear of receiving charges, having no earnings to bring home to the family, and the inconvenience to commuters.

"It's not too late for transportation officials to listen to the woes of small drivers and operators," Poe said.

In a press briefing, Piston said that the three-day strike is a continuing protest against the implementation of the Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) Modernization Program, which he said, is a burden to the jeepney operators and drivers as this would compel them to avail of more than P2 million-worth modern jeepney.

The transport strike is in time for the April 30 deadline set by President Marcos to consolidate into a cooperative or corporation, which is a major requirement for jeepney operators and drivers to continue their franchise.

At least two labor groups have also committed to join in support of Piston as they stated that the PUV Modernization Program would pave the way to increased fare since the fare hike is the only logical reason where the operators would get their high monthly amortization and maintenance cost for modern jeepneys.

The transport strike is also in time for the Labor Day celebration on May 1.

Related Tags

PUV modernization PUV Modernization Program Senator Grace Poe Senate Committee on Public Services
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