Around 500 modernized buses in Iloilo City halted their operations for two hours from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Monday, in what it referred to as a “transport break,” to oppose the suspension of the Public Transportation Modernization Program (PTMP).
The protest action was organized by the Western Visayas Alliance of Transport Cooperatives and Corporations, Inc. (WVATCCI).
Rizalito Alido, president of the alliance, explained that the “Unity Caravan” and transport break were meant to demonstrate the group’s support for the government’s modernization efforts and send a clear message that the program should not be suspended.
“We oppose the proposed suspension of PTMP,” Alido stated.
The Unity Caravan began at 1:00 p.m. from assembly points including Tagbak Terminal, ITGSI Terminal, and Mohon Terminal. Participants converged at Sen. Benigno Aquino, Jr. Avenue (Diversion Road) in the Mandurriao district for a “unity lunch” and press conference.
Members of WVATCCI who participated in the transport break and unity caravan included:
– Molo Transport Service Cooperative
– Santa Barbara – New Lucena Transport Service Cooperative
– Aerostar Transport Cooperative
– Iloilo Superman Owners and Drivers Transport Cooperative
– Iloilo City Alliance Operators and Drivers Transport Cooperative
– JJL Transport Corporation
– Pavia Iloilo Jeepney Owners and Drivers Transport Cooperative
– Joroshley Transport Services Incorporated
– Western Visayas Transport Cooperative
– Leon Transport Service Cooperative
– Calumpang Iloilo Service Transport Cooperative
Operations resumed shortly after 3:00 p.m.
Western Visayas Transport Cooperative (WVTC) president Raymundo Parcon expressed his support for the transport break and emphasized that the cooperatives are prepared to implement the modernization program. He questioned the Senate’s decision to suspend the program, highlighting its financial implications for cooperatives like WVTC.
“We have a bank loan of P200 million after purchasing 95 units of minibuses, payable over seven years. If they suspend the program now, it could financially devastate our cooperative. What happens to us then if they bring back the traditional jeepneys that haven’t been consolidated?” Parcon asked.
He also noted that if unconsolidated traditional jeepneys are allowed to operate, it could negatively impact the operations and revenue of modernized buses.
Meanwhile, 500 traditional jeepneys under MANIBELA Panay United offered free rides today across 12 routes in Iloilo City.
Warren Gangoso, president of MANIBELA Panay United, said the free rides were a gesture of gratitude to the Senate for supporting their call to suspend the PTMP.
Gangoso clarified that the free ride initiative had been planned before the transport alliance announced the transport break for modernized jeepneys.
MANIBELA’s free ride initiative was conducted nationwide today.
Earlier, Senator Raffy Tulfo introduced Senate Resolution 1096, which suspended the implementation of the PTMP, with 22 out of 23 senators signing the resolution.
