PISTON to hold transport strike from April 29 to May 1
Transport group PISTON announced that it's holding a nationwide strike for three days next week.
In a media forum on Saturday, April 27, PISTON deputy secretary general Ruben Baylon said it will take place from April 29 to May 1 to protest the public utility vehicle modernization program. The deadline of its franchise consolidation is on April 30.
According to Baylon, the transport strike is necessary in fighting for their livelihoods in the transportation sector.
"Ang a-uno, sabi nila, huhulihin na raw ang mga jeep," he said. Noting that it's the right of every Filipino to be of service to the public, he added, "Kung kaya, kahit na matapos ang deadline, hindi titigil sa pamamasada ang mga drayber at operator."
The center of the protest will be in Metro Manila. Other key areas include Alabang, Baclaran, Sucat, Taft Avenue, Agoncillo, Monumento, Novaliches, Litex, Anonas, Katipunan, and Philcoa.
Under the program, jeepneys, buses, and other public utility vehicles that are at least 15 years old must be replaced with electronic jeepneys or e-jeepneys—in hopes of making the public transportation system more comfortable and environment-friendly.
Though the government offered to give P200,000 per jeepney that will be phased out, drivers and operators still aren't pleased, especially with a daily income of about P700. There’s also a constant fear of being unable to pay off their loans.
Commuters are also worried that the modernized vehicles would mean higher fares.