Pagbutlak

Starting tomorrow, April 15, the transport groups Samahang Manibela Mananakay at Nagkaisang Terminal ng Transportasyon (SMMITT) or simply Manibela and Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON), will hold a nationwide transportation strike to protest against the nearing April 30 consolidation deadline for traditional jeepney franchises.

The transport groups made the announcement last April 11 as a response to Pres. Marcos Jr’s pronouncement that the consolidation deadline will no longer be extended after April 30. 

PISTON asserted that congressional hearings regarding the PUV Modernization Program are still underway and that their petition against it is still pending consideration at the Supreme Court.

“Despite this, the regime is rushing to take away the livelihoods of small operators and drivers,” said PISTON.

PISTON also underscored their demand for a “complete junking of franchise consolidation requirement and the entire PUVMP,” not just another deadline extension. 

In Iloilo, a transport caravan will be held tomorrow at 7:30 AM to start at the Metropolis Subdivision, Tagbak. A program will then be held in front of the Iloilo Provincial Capitol.

The two-day nationwide transport strike will commence from April 15 to 16, and a series of strikes will happen, leading to the deadline of April 30. Manibela Chairperson Mar Balbuena said the strike will last until the deadline is reversed.