ILOILO CITY – A two-day transport strike will be conducted starting on Monday, June 3, in this city in protest of the failure of implementing the country’s first modern transportation plan.

A two-day transport strike will be held in Iloilo City from June 3 to 4. (Tara Yap)
“This transport holiday will point out the failures of the government’s attempt to phase out traditional jeepneys,” said Elmer Forro, the regional lead of a group against the total phase out of traditional jeepneys.
The June 3 to 4 transport strike will be participated in by drivers and operators of first-town jeepneys, including those with routes to and from the neighboring towns of Leganes, Pavia, and Oton.
“There’s nothing wrong with modernizing, but we are not ready. We are trying to point out the multi-faceted problems, including the suffering of the riding public,” Forro said on Sunday, June 2.
This city was supposed to be the first local government unit (LGU) in the country to implement the Local Public Transport Route Plan (LPTRP) last June 2022.
The LPTRP was allegedly implemented without proper consultation with drivers, operators, and the riding public.
The Iloilo City government had to change its written policy several times following numerous public outcry since June 2022.
The entry of mini-buses caused several problems for drivers and operators who were forced to consolidate into cooperatives, resulting in the negative impact to the earnings of each individual driver or operator who imported such vehicle for P2.9 million to P3 million.
The situation exacerbated when the city government limited entry of first-town jeepneys or where its routes can go.
Forro said this hurts commuters, who have to spend extra money for fare and extra time to get to their destinations.
He said that with the way the LPTRP is implemented, the Iloilo City government is not acknowledging the contributions to the economy of people living in the towns of Iloilo province when the government is making it hard for everyday workers or even students.
Forro called for a proper review of the LPTRP and its long-term impact.
He said that there are not enough mini-buses or jeepneys plying the city streets even without regular classes.
Commuters have been seen waiting for a long period of time in key areas here as they cannot ride the desired bus or jeepney to their destination.