Date Published: April 13, 2024
Time Published: 2:58 PM
Transport groups and drivers affiliated with Manibela and Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON) announced on Thursday, April 11, an imminent nationwide transport strike starting from April 15, in opposition to the franchise consolidation deadline on April 30.
President Ferdinand Marcos and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) stated last Wednesday, April 10 that the franchise consolidation deadline of April 30 will not be extended.
PISTON deputy secretary general, Ruben Baylon mentioned in an interview that the series of hearings for the PUVMP (Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program) has not even ended in Congress.
"Our petition against this is still pending in the Supreme Court but the administration is in a rush to take away the livelihood of drivers and small operators," Baylon said.
Manibela President Mar Valbuena expects atleast 30,000 transport drivers in the NCR and 100,000 drivers nationwide to participate in the transport strike.
In response, the Philippine National Police will send patrol vehicles to assist commuters who will be affected by the transport strike and will coordinate with the transport groups to determine the rally locations for public safety, according to PNP’s chief information officer Col. Jean Fajardo.
“Just hail our patrol vehicles and they will assist you to reach your destinations,” she said in a news briefing at Camp Crame.
Transport groups initially planned a two-day transport strike but could continue even after the deadline if the government does not respond to their demands, Valbuena said.
“The protests will continue as this will not only be for one day, or two, or three. Until we reach this deadline that was given to us, this will continue,” Valbuena added.
On Monday, April 15, Manibela and PISTON will meet in front of the University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD) and caravan to LTFRB's office. Transport organizations will also hold vigils in Mendiola until Tuesday, April 16.
REFERENCES:
ABS-CBN News. (2024, April 11). Manibela, PISTON announce transport strike from April 15. ABS-CBN News. https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/4/11/manibela-piston-announce-transport-strike-from-april-15-1118
GMA Integrated News. (2024, April 11). MANIBELA, PISTON to hold 2-day transport strike starting April 15. GMA News Online. https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/903330/piston-transport-strike/story/
Sarao, Z. (2024, April 12). LTFRB to provide free rides for commuters affected by April strike. INQUIRER.net. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1929117/ltfrb-to-provide-libreng-sakay-for-commuters-affected-by-april-15-transport-strike
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