Philippines’ jeepney drivers strike again as modernisation deadline looms: ‘it will bury us in debt’
- The strike has paralysed most jeepney routes in Metro Manila, with drivers taking issue with the capital required to upgrade their vehicles at the expense of their livelihood
- PISTON president Mody Floranda says drivers’ major concerns have been ignored by the government, as students come out in support of the strike
Jeepney drivers in the Philippines launched a three-day strike on Monday against a looming December 31 deadline by the government that will force owners to replace aged vehicles with environmentally friendly models, in what is seen by the industry as authorities’ attempt to snuff out livelihoods.
Under the government’s Public Utility Vehicle Modernisation Program (PUVMP), drivers will need to replace jeepney units that are at least 15 years old with eco-friendly models to form cooperatives and continue working. Striking drivers led by PISTON – a national federation of public transport groups – take issue with the capital required to acquire modern jeepneys.
“This is the first step towards taking our livelihood away. This isn’t about fixing public transport. It’s a corporate takeover,” said PISTON president Mody Floranda.
“We’re fighting for the survival of jeepneys. They’re not just trying to phase out the vehicles, they’re exterminating our livelihood and condemning us and the commuting public to greater hardship and hunger.”
By noon, PISTON claimed to have paralysed 85 per cent of all jeepney routes in Metro Manila and seven other strike centres in major cities throughout the country. The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) deployed 250 vehicles across the capital to service commuters.
