Commuters experienced longer wait times for rides at PHILCOA in Quezon City as PISTON initiated a two-day strike on Thursday. The strike was in protest of the deadline for the consolidation of public utility vehicle (PUV) operators.
Despite the limited number of operating jeepneys due to the strike, some commuters chose to leave their homes early to ensure they could reach their destinations on time.
“Medyo may perwisyo pero wala tayong magawa ganun talaga, may pinaglalaban sila. Pero dapat intindihan din nila iyong pasahero nahirapan din sila,” commuter Cecille Ragasa said.
Transportation Undersecretary Timothy John Batan mentioned on Unang Balita that free rides would be provided to affected commuters by local government units and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).
Some jeepney drivers made the decision to operate early in the morning to secure income for their families before joining the strike at 8 a.m. This dual approach allows them to fulfill immediate financial needs while still participating in the protest against the consolidation deadline for public utility vehicle operators.
“Sayang naman iyong jeep namin kung matatanggalan ng prangkisa… Mahalaga ‘yung pinaglalaban namin itong kabuhayan naming ito kaya ipaglalaban namin ito hanggang sa huli” jeepney driver Miller Bautista said.
2-day transport strike begins today
Transportation Undersecretary Timothy John Batan expressed that the government remains open to dialogue with the groups participating in the two-day strike.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has previously announced that the deadline for the consolidation of public utility vehicle (PUV) operators would not be extended beyond December 31, 2023.
“Walang malinaw na batayan ang gobyerno para ipagpilitan ang deadline. Lalo lang nila papatayin ang mamamayan,” PISTON earlier said in a Facebook statement.
The statement highlights that the local public transport route plan (LPTRP) still needs completion, and many local government units are reportedly not yet prepared for the consolidation process.
Transportation Undersecretary Timothy John Batan provided some context by stating that approximately 70% of public utility vehicles (PUVs) have already complied with the consolidation process. He also emphasized that traditional jeepneys would still be allowed to operate for up to three years after the deadline for consolidation.
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