PISTON denies destabilization plot in two-day transport strike

Transport group Pinagkaisang Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON) Monday denied that its two-day strike is part of a destabilization plot against the government as alleged by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

In an interview on GMA News' Unang Balita, PISTON national president George San Mateo said such claims were meant to divert attention from the main issue which is the government's public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program.

"Alam niyo, paglilihis na lang sa issue 'yon particularly ng gobyerno naman 'yan through LTFRB no, kasi minamaliiit kasi nila 'yung strike, eh bilang nagdeklara 'yung Malacañang ng nationwide, na walang klase tsaka opisina sa gobyerno, kung hindi ako nagkakamali, first time sa history 'to, never pang nagyayari 'to, so palagay ko 'yung Malacañang, alam nilang lehitimo itong issue na 'to," San Mateo said.

"Alam nila mismo na 'yung programa nila magtatanggal ng kabuhayan kaya alam talaga nila anumang asosasyon ng mga driver, anong federasyon 'yan lalahok sila massively sa protesta na 'to at 'yun ang in-anticipate nila," he added.

LTFRB on Sunday said it has received reports that a transport strike led by Piston "will be supported by other left-leaning groups allegedly the plot is to destabilize government."

Piston is holding a two-day strike beginning Monday to oppose the government's PUV modernization program which they claim is a jeepney phaseout plan that would require the purchase of newer, more expensive models.

Among the groups supporting this week's nationwide transport strike are Kadamay, Migrante, League of Filipino Students, and Kilusang Mayo Uno.

Malacañang has suspended government work and classes in all levels of both public and private schools nationwide on Monday, October 16 due to the transport strike. —Marlly Rome Bondoc/KG, GMA News