Various transport groups came together to denounce what they described as pervasive and systemic corruption that continues to undermine the lives of Filipinos and the nation’s economy.
The coalition—which includes Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operators Nationwide (Piston), Kapatiran ng Riders para sa Karapatan (KaRiders), Manila Taxi Regional Association (Mantra), TNVR Alliance, Laban TNVS, and the National Public Transport Coalition (NPTC)—called for urgent reforms and increased accountability from government officials to restore public confidence.
“We understand the struggles faced by the people with every rise in oil prices and fees. However, instead of witnessing our taxes and public funds being utilized appropriately, we consistently observe significant corruption issues and the misappropriation of public money, regardless of which administration is in power. While citizens are making sacrifices to get by, government officials and their local and business associates continue to exploit public funds,” the coalition said in a joint statement.
Piston President Mody Floranda remarked that it is unjust for the taxes paid by jeepney drivers to be funneled into corrupt practices.
The groups expressed that they directly experience the repercussions of corruption, which include insufficient subsidies for public transport, deteriorating roads and infrastructure, inadequate service, and oppressive policies that further impoverish their sector, such as the oil deregulation law, excessive fines, and the phaseout of public utility vehicles, among others.
“Corruption is both direct and widespread within transportation agencies like the Land Transportation Office and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, characterized by various schemes involving under-the-table payments, payola, and extortion.”
“Thus, we are resolute in our stance today. It is time to hold those in power accountable and bring all corrupt officials to justice, to dismantle the corrupt system that perpetuates graft, and to replace it with a more progressive, people-centered, and patriotic framework.”
On Thursday, members of Piston organized a one-day nationwide strike to protest against corruption.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority reported that at least 100 individuals were observed demonstrating at three different locations in Metro Manila.
Citing information from the Inter-Agency Task Force Monitoring Team, the MMDA stated that the protests were conducted peacefully, with no reported disruptions to motorists, and the protesters declared their intention to conclude their demonstration in the afternoon.
MMDA Chairman Romando Artes assured that the government is ready for any potential eventualities.
