TRANSPORT group Manibela is holding anew a three-day transport strike as protest against the government’s Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP), formerly known as the Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) Modernization Program.
The strike, which will be held from March 24 to 26, aims to protest the alleged misinterpretation of the figures of consolidated PUV operators and drivers under the PUV modernization program by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
Various schools in Metro Manila and nearby provinces announced class suspensions during the transport strike.
Government agencies such as the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Department of Transportation (DOTr), Philippine National Police (PNP) and local government units have equipped vehicles to provide free rides for affected commuters.
The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) has deployed 8,000 police personnel to maintain peace and order amid transport protests.
As of 10 a.m., PNP spokesperson Brigadier General Jean Fajardo said a total of 48,555 police personnel were deployed across the country amid the strike.
She said 1,469 PNP vehicles were deployed to cater to affected passengers.
“Generally peaceful. No untoward incident reported so far,” said Fajardo.
In a press conference, DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon vowed to look into the PTMP and implement changes if necessary.
He also said of the around 86 percent of PUVs that have applied for consolidation, only around 40 percent have been approved.
The LTFRB earlier said 86 percent of the PUVs across the country were already consolidated in compliance with the PTMP.
“Ngayon ang tanong ko sa LTFRB at ang tanong ko sa ating mga transport groups, bakit ganoon? Ano ang rason kung bakit hindi lahat na-approve? Requirements ba nila? Kailangan bang ayusin ng LTFRB 'yung mga road rationalization?” said Dizon.
(Now, my question to the LTFRB and my question to our transport groups, why is that? What is the reason why not all were approved? Are there requirements? Does the LTFRB need to fix the road rationalization?)
“Malalaman natin 'yan in the next few weeks. Magpe-present ako ng solution moving forward within the next two weeks,” he added.
(We will find that out in the next few weeks. I will present a solution moving forward within the next two weeks.)
Initiated under the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte, the PUVMP seeks to replace traditional Filipino jeepneys with modern and environment-friendly vehicles, putting into high consideration and priority the safety of the riding public.
It also requires PUVs to operate under a cooperative for the renewal of their provisional authorities. (TPM/SunStar Philippines)