Nationwide Transport Strike in Protest of PUV Modernization Program to be Held on November 20-23, 2023, PISTON Says
PISTON announces a nationwide transport strike on November 20-23, 2023 in Protest of the PUV Modernization Program.
On Wednesday (November 15, 2023), the Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operators Nationwide (PISTON) declared a nationwide transport to express their concern regarding the program.
The group claimed that it would be affecting their livelihoods by taking away their franchises. It paves the way for the monopoly of large corporations in the transportation industry.
“Masaker ito sa ating kabuhayan sa pamamagitan ng pang-aagaw sa ating prangkisa, upang magbigay-daan sa monopolyo kontol ng malalaking korporasyon sa transportasyon,” PISTON said.
In 2017, the PUV modernization program was launched to replace traditional jeepneys with modernized vehicles equipped with at least a Euro 4-compliant engine to reduce pollution.
Unfortunately, drivers and operators have raised concerns about the high costs of modernized jeepneys, reaching over P2 million per unit.
Traditional jeepneys, on the other hand, can continue to operate beyond the scheduled deadline if they join transport cooperatives to minimize on-street competition among drivers and owners, according to transportation officials.
The deadline was originally set for June 30, 2023, but the government extended it to the end of the year after a transport strike from March 6 to 12, 2023.
The strike was shortened following discussions between Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Cheloy Garafil, Office of the Executive Secretary Undersecretary Roy Cervantes, PISTON representatives, and Manibela,
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. wanted to ensure that no traditional jeepney drivers would lose their livelihood due to the modernization program.
“Ang problema na kanilang sinasabi ay baka hindi sila mapautang para makapagbili ng bagong sasakyan kaya’t yan ang tinitignan namin ngayon na tiyakin na walang mawawalan ng trabaho dahil hindi nakapagbili ng electric vehicle pagdating ng panahon,” Marcos said.
In a previous report, a transport strike to oppose ‘corruption’, PUV modernization “no effect”