Transport groups PISTON and MANIBELA announced they will stage a transport strike on September 23 and 24 to protest the government's Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP). The groups are pushing for the program's cancellation, citing its failures and resistance from the transport sector.
PISTON president Mody Floranda criticized President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and officials from the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) for pushing forward with the program despite opposition from Congress and the Senate.
The transport strike will focus on several key demands, including scrapping the PTMP, halting forced franchise consolidation, renewing franchises for all public utility vehicle (PUV) operators, and redirecting funds from PUV phaseout programs towards rehabilitating traditional jeepneys.
PISTON also urged local government units to follow Bacolod City's example in seeking to suspend the modernization program to pressure the national government.
The PTMP, initially launched in 2017, aims to replace old jeepneys with modern vehicles that meet Euro 4 emission standards and are considered roadworthy. However, the cost of a modern jeepney—around ₱2 million—has been deemed unaffordable for many operators. As of May, around 81% of PUVs have consolidated, while a remaining 36,217 units and 2,445 routes have not.
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