Metro Manila, Philippines — Groups backing the public transport modernization program (PTMP) gathered in Manila on Monday to protest efforts against the scheme.
Groups led by the Angat Kooperatiba at Korporasyon ng Alyansang Pilipino para sa Modernisasyon and the National Federation Transport Cooperatives held a unity walk from Welcome Rotonda in Quezon City to Mendiola amid heavy rain.
Police officers initially blocked the protesters but they were eventually allowed to proceed after negotiations.
Groups said a Senate resolution seeking to halt the modernization program is unfair for those who have complied with the PTMP, in particular consolidating their units into a cooperative or corporation.
“Ang kailangan po rito, solusyon. Solusyon na magbe-benefit lahat ng transport. Bakit hindi tinitingnan iyong 83% na yumakap ng modernisasyon?” Rene Sumague, a transport group leader from Cavite said.
[Translation: What we need is a solution. A solution that will benefit all transport groups. Why don’t they see the 83% of groups who embraced the modernization program?]
Groups also appealed to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. against heeding the Senate resolution.
“Sana po makarating sa inyo Pangulong BBM na itong hinaing namin ay masolusyonan. Within this day, naghihintay po kami ng magandang resulta na suportahan niyo po itong programa,” Danilo Yumul, a transport leader said.
[Translation: I hope our appeal reaches you President Marcos Jr., that our concerns be addressed. We’re waiting for good feedback from you that will support the modernization plan.]
LTFRB: Modernization continues
Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board Chairman Teofilo Guadiz also joined the protest walk.
“Ang sabi ng mahal na kalihim, tuloy tuloy ang modernisasyon. Tuloy ang biyahe sa modernisasyon. Walang resolusyon ang makakapigil sa atin,” said Guadiz.
[Our transport chief said the modernization continues. The journey to modernization will push through. No resolution can stop us.]
On July 30, Senator Raffy Tulfo, chairman of the committee on public service, released a copy of the proposed resolution signed by 22 senators. It states that the modernization program should be temporarily suspended until the concerns of drivers, operators, and other stakeholders are addressed.
Anti-modernization groups have lauded the resolution, hoping it would gain the president’s support.
