With no gov't aid in sight, drivers rely on private donations

Drivers of public utility vehicles have been relying on private donations to survive every day amid the threat of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

In Chino Gaston's report on "24 Oras," jeepney drivers in Manila said they have not received financial subsidy from the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) or from the City Hall.

PUV drivers have been hit hard by the enhanced community quarantine, as they lost their means of livelihood with the suspension of public transportation.

"Ang kapitana namin hindi naman ho totally natutulungan ang driver, kinakapos rin ho sila ng budget," said Geronimo Caguntas, one of the drivers. "Kaya ho kami humihingi lang ho kami ng tulong sa kung sino ang magbibigay sa amin."

Metro Manila will be placed under a modified enhanced community quarantine with looser restrictions from May 16 to May 31.

Public transportation, however, will remain suspended, so drivers have no choice but to find other ways to feed their families.

"Gumagawa na lang po kami ng diskarte kung pano na lang po kami makakuha ng pagkain," said Reynaldo Saldana, another driver.

With the lack of income, one driver could no longer pay rent and his family has been forced to live inside the jeepney. The family of a tricycle driver had to do the same.

To help PUV drivers, netizens put up a Facebook group called "SuperTsuper" to facilitate donations for PUV drivers. —MGP, GMA News