TRANSPORT STRIKE | Jeepney group declares three-day strike next week over franchise consolidation

November 15, 2023 , 05:22 PM

By Clarist Zablan

(November 15, 2023) – A jeepney group on Wednesday announced plans to stage a three-day nationwide transport strike to oppose the franchise consolidation under the government’s public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program.

The jeepney group, PISTON, would go on a transport strike starting November 20 until November 22, a month ahead of the December 31 deadline for traditional jeepney drivers and operators to consolidate into a cooperative.

PISTON feared the franchise consolidation could “result in the monopoly of a few big fleet managers or corporations” while potentially displacing small-scale operators.

Mody Floranda, PISTON’s national president, said some recent proposed amendments to the omnibus franchising guidelines, which included the franchise consolidation, have not addressed their concerns.

“Itong franchise consolidation ang unang hakbang sa pang-aagaw sa kabuhayan ng mga tsuper at operator,” Mody Floranda said in a news release.

“Hindi talaga ito para ayusin ang public transport, kundi para madaling maipasa at maagaw ng mga malalaking negosyante at korporasyon ang mga ruta at kabuhayan ng mga maliliit na operator.”

PISTON wanted transport authorities to repeal the PUV modernization program, remove the franchise consolidation requirement, extend financial assistance to all affected PUV drivers and small operators, and implement a “pro-people just transition” in the government’s public transport modernization program.

Last October, a transport strike by another public transport group, Manibela, demanded the government to address alleged corruption in the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

Some jeepney groups have opposed the PUV modernization program, particularly its phase-out of aging jeepneys, on concerns that it could displace many drivers and operators who could not afford to shoulder the costs of modern jeepney models as a replacement.

Last March, the LTFRB moved the deadline for franchise consolidation from June 30 to December 31 this year in response to demands from drivers and operators. The franchise consolidation is part of the government’s PUV modernization program, requiring individual drivers and operators to form or join cooperatives or corporations.

A week later, Malacanang said the government would review the franchise guidelines under the PUV modernization program.

(MM)

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