By Gabriela Baron
A transport group said it will push through with the week-long transport strike starting Monday, March 6, noting that Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB)’s decision to extend the deadline for traditional jeepneys to consolidate is “not enough.”
The LTFRB extended to December 31 from June 30 the consolidation of modern jeepneys in response to the request of the transport sector.
“Hindi sapat ang puro extension. Hindi puwedeng hayaang i-masaker ang prangkisa ng mga indibidwal na operator para i-monopolyo ng malalaking korporasyon,” PISTON National President Mody Floranda said.
“Ang panawagan natin ay tuluyang pagpapabasura ng iskemang franchise consolidation at pagpapatupad ng maka-masang modernisasyon,” Floranda added.
PISTON also called on President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to junk the Department of Transportation Department Order 2017-011 or the Omnibus Franchising Guidelines and its implementing LTFRB Memorandum Circulars that mandate individual franchise holders to consolidate under a fleet management system.
Floranda also called for a “pro-people modernization program,” citing the rehabilitation of traditional jeepneys, more subsidy and support for public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and small operators.
Meanwhile, PUV drivers will receive P3 billion fuel assistance from the national government, according to Department of Budget and Management Secretary Amenah Pangandaman.
Qualified PUVs, taxi, tricycle, as well as full-time ride-hailing and delivery service drivers will receive fuel vouchers. -cf
READ MORE: Gov’t to provide ‘libreng sakay’ during week-long transport strike
