Metro Manila, Philippines – Transport group Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON) announced on Monday it will join Manibela in a three-day transport strike this week.
The protest comes after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. rejected the Senate’s call to halt the implementation of the Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP).
In a press briefing, PISTON President Mody Floranda said the transport strike will be held nationwide on Aug. 14 to 16.
He said over 5,000 drivers and operators from Metro Manila alone will join the strike.
“May iba’t ibang anyo ng protesta. Martsa, rally, welga sa mga ruta. Iyan po iyong ating tugon sa inannounce ni President Bongbong Marcos na hindi nila bibigyan ng extension ang ating operator,” Floranda said.
[Translation: There are different forms of protests. Like march and rally along the routes. This is our response to President Bongbong Marcos’ statement that he will not grant an extension for our jeepney operators]
Marcos earlier said he will not grant another extension for those who failed to consolidate their franchises. Unconsolidated units have been deemed colorum or illegal since then.
Manibela chairman Mar Valbuena earlier announced the group will hold a strike should there be no clear directives for drivers without consolidated franchises.
The group also staged a “transport protest” on Monday, which left some passengers stranded.
