DOTr, LTFRB assure ‘uninterrupted’ public transport during 3-day strike

April 28, 2024 , 08:17 PM

By Gabriel Kim Leal

(April 28, 2024) – Government officials on Sunday outlined measures to mitigate any potential disruption during the three-day nationwide transportation strike on April 29-30.

The strike, sparked by opposition to the jeepney modernization program, is anticipated to draw participation from transportation groups PISTON and MANIBELA.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) detailed the government’s strategy.

“So the usual preps po is we look at the critical areas kung saan may mga ruta,” said LTFRB Chairman Teofilo Guadiz in a phone interview. “Mino-monitor po namin na kapag nagkaron po ng problema roon, may rescue buses kami kaagad.”

The LTFRB has coordinated with the Philippine National Police (PNP) to deploy rescue buses and ensure police presence in critical areas.

The agency also noted that vehicles involved in the strike would be immediately addressed by government personnel, with potential suspension of franchises and driver’s licenses for non-compliance.

“Nakahanda na po ang isang napakalaking impounding area sa Tarlac ng LTO (Land Transportation Office) at saka sa Pampanga ng LTFRB. Ilang ektarya rin po yung inilatag namin in anticipation sa araw na ‘to,” added Guadiz.

Drivers and operators have been holding a series of protests, arguing that large businesses may monopolize public transportation with the implementation of the program.

However, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) stood firm on its position, pending the Supreme Court’s decision on a petition seeking to halt the program.

Under the PUV Modernization Program, jeepney and UV Express operators are required to join or form cooperatives to maintain their operations. Pres. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has extended the final deadline for consolidation to April 30, giving operators a total of 27 months to transition to modern PUVs.

Each unit, however, costs over P2 million — a price too high for many jeepney operators and drivers.

CONTEXT: Mga kooperatiba, pinapayagan ng DOTr na mamili ng modern jeep manufacturer | Frontline Pilipinas (January 18, 2024)

Meanwhile, the DOTr is gearing up for the upcoming strike, with preparations involving multiple government agencies to contain any possible disruption.

“Lagi naman tayong mayroong tinatawag na ‘rescue vehicles.’ Nakahanda ‘yan sa pakikipagtulungan ng LTFRB, [Metropolitan Manila Development Authority] at saka [local government units]. Pero hindi naman natin gagamitin ‘yung mga rescue vehicles kung hindi kailangan,” said Transportation Usec. Andy Ortega.

Regarding compliance with the modernization program, the DOTr reported that nearly 78% of operators have already joined the consolidation process. The agency considers this level of participation a mark of the program’s success.

“On the part of the government, tuluy-tuloy naman tayo after April 30 roon sa mga ibang component para sa ating mga mananakay,” added Usec. Ortega.

RELATED REPORT: Three-day transport strike, isasagawa mula April 29 hanggang May 1 | Frontline Pilipinas Weekend (April 28, 2024)

(JREC)

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