Another Nationwide Transport Strike Is Happening From November 20 to 22

(SPOT.ph) Heads up, commuters: Another nationwide transport strike is scheduled from November 20 to 22, this time by the Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operators Nationwide (PISTON).

This three-day strike is in response to the government's approaching December 31, 2023 deadline for franchise consolidation applicants under the Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) Modernization Program, which PISTON argues threatens their livelihoods by potentially leading to the monopolization of transportation under large corporations.

“Masaker ito sa ating kabuhayan sa pamamagitan ng pang-aagaw sa ating prangkisa, upang magbigay-daan sa monopolyo kontrol ng malalaking korporasyon sa transportasyon,” PISTON said in a statement. “Makiisa at makibaka para sa ating kabuhayan! Labanan natin ang palpak, pahirap, at di-makataong PUV Modernization Program!”

It's still unclear how many jeepney drivers are expected to join the strike.

This will be the fourth nationwide transport strike this 2023. The first one was held in March to condemn the PUV Modernization Program, the second one was held in July for the government failing to solve the woes of the transport sector, and the third one was held in October in response to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board's alleged corruption that resulted in the month-long suspension of LTFRB Chairman Teofilo Guadiz III.

Also read: LIST: At Least 13 Routes Affected by the Transport Strike in Metro Manila

Why is PISTON holding a nationwide transport strike?

The PUV Modernization Program was initiated in 2017 with a goal to replace traditional jeepneys with new vehicles that have at least a Euro 4-compliant engine to reduce pollution. However, high costs have raised concerns among drivers and operators, which could potentially exceed P2 million per unit.

Then the government allowed traditional jeepneys to continue operating beyond the December 31, 2023 deadline, given that they join transport cooperatives or corporations. This extension was in response to the previous strike in March.

By July, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) reported that 70% out of the 200,000 jeepneys have already been consolidated. They also reiterated that 50% of the cost of the modern unit will be subsidized by the government.

However, this solution isn’t enough for PISTON. The transport group is calling for the immediate repeal of the current PUV Modernization Program, along with five other demands:

• Scrap the franchise consolidation requirement and allow those who previously complied to withdraw individual franchises
• Restore the five-year franchises for all PUVs and all modified PUV routes
• Provide immediate cash aid and reasonable financial support for impacted PUV drivers and small operators
• Uphold the right to freedom of association and respect the right to strike
• Implement a pro-people just transition in public transport modernization that is anchored on local and national industrialization instead of relying on imported vehicles

Also read: “Modernization, Not Phaseout”: What's Behind the Transport Strike, According to a Jeepney Driver's Daughter

Libreng Sakay services from November 20 to 22

In the meantime, the commuting public can expect help from the local government in getting to where they need to be in Metro Manila with Libreng Sakay programs from November 20 to 22. 

Valenzuela City

Quezon City

Manila

Malabon City

Caloocan City

Muntinlupa City

Also read: LIST: Here Are the Bus Routes to Quezon City’s Permanent Libreng Sakay Program

UPDATED (November 20, 2023): This article has been updated to include the Libreng Sakay programs of various local government units.