Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 6) — A transport group that opted out of the protest on Monday said it doubts the strike will last until March 12, while also calling on those who joined to prevent clashes between jeepney drivers and commuters.
“Baka mamayang hapon bibiyahe na po yung mga ‘yan dahil alam nyo po ang ating mga kapatid na mga tsuper ay pag hindi pumasada, ay hindi naman namin ini-small dahil maliliit din naman kami, pare-parehas lang kami… eh baka wala na pong maisaing mamayang hapon. So, anong gagawin?” Liga ng Transportasyon at Operators sa Pilipinas (LTOP) president Orlando Marquez told CNN Philippines’ The Source.
[Translation: Maybe later this afternoon they will resume operations because, as you know, our drivers if they do not ply the roads, we are not belittling them we are all the same, maybe they will not eat anything later. So what should we do?]
A number of groups began the protest on Monday in protest against the public utility vehicle modernization program, including the phaseout of old jeepneys.
Transport group Manibela’s chairperson Mar Valbuena said they want a more reasonable rollout, noting that paying franchise fees and new units are a heavy burden for drivers and operators.
As of 11 a.m., police said more than 25 organizations joined the protest in Metro Manila, affecting around 50 routes. The exact number of units, however, was not noted.
In skipping the strike, Marquez said his group is seeing the efforts of government to assist in the modernization process, including consultation with stakeholders which was not done during the previous administration.
Marquez also cited the ‘fruitful’ meeting in the Senate last week regarding the issue.
He then slammed Valbuena for deciding on his own to hold the strike.
“Tama hong mayrooon syang ipinaglalaban pero dapat po pinaguusapan ng pangkalahatan, hindi po ‘yung ganon na nagpapasiga lang s’ya dahil s’ya yung nagtaas ng kamay ni Leni Robredo nung eleksyon,” Marquez said. “Hindi po pwede yung ganon. Pati kami dinadamay.”
[Translation: It’s right that he is fighting for something, but everybody should have a say, not like that he is playing tough because he raised the hand of Leni Robredo during election. That’s not allowed. We also get affected.]
Marquez said in the Senate discussions last week, Valbuena belittled him and other transport leaders.
Valbuena told CNN Philippines he respects Marquez’s opinion.
“Kung papatulan ko sila, maiiba lang ang issue,” Valbuena added.
[Translation: If I will get back at them, the issue will be diverted.]
Marquez then appealed to the strikers to resume operations by afternoon for their sake and the commuters.
