A two-day transport strike led by PISTON and MANIBELA begins today until Tuesday to oppose the government’s Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP).
LTFRB Chairperson Teofilo Guadiz III however assured the public that the government is ready to assist commuters who may be affected by the strike.
He said the LTFRB will deploy “Libreng Sakay” vehicles in key areas in Metro Manila.
“We remain committed to ensuring the commuting public’s access to transportation,” he added.
Guadiz said that the agency respects the right of drivers and operators to free expression as enshrined in the Constitution, and acknowledges the concerns of the transport sector.
The agency also urged drivers participating in the strike not to cause heavy traffic on major thoroughfares.
Meanwhile a group backing the PTMP—or formerly the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program–which is not participating in the strike, appealed to the government to extend the deadline for consolidation.
Boy Vargas, Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (ALTODAP) president, said the government must grant operators and drivers of unconsolidated public utility vehicles another chance to join the program and consolidate into a cooperative or corporation.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. however has thumbed down calls to suspend the PTMP even as the majority of senators signed a resolution calling for its suspension.
Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said the suspension of the PUVMP “could disrupt services for many who depend on its benefits.”
Vargas said his members would not take part in the two-day strike, saying that ALTODAP members have been able to consolidate.
“My suggestion to our government today, those who have not been able to consolidate, if they want to comply, is to allow the others to consolidate so that no one is left behind,” he said.
He said the so-called Magnificent 7 would not join the strike.
“We will not participate since the commuters will have to suffer. They are always like that. How many strikes have they done? The question is, has something happened?” he asked, referring to PISTON and MANIBELA.
“I think they are just using the issue of consolidation as an excuse. There’s nothing to lose from the consolidation,” he said.
Initially, the LTFRB said that PUVs that did not consolidate after the April 30 deadline would be deemed as “colorum” or a PUV operating without a franchise.
Around 81.11% or 155,513 of 191,730 PUV units have been consolidated as of May, according to the Department of Transportation (DOTr). A total of 36,217 PUVs remained unconsolidated.
For routes, 74.32% or 7,077 of 9,522 have been consolidated while 2,445 routes remained unconsolidated, the DOTr said.
