With no aid or income, Navotas jeepney drivers struggle to survive: 'Ulam namin toyo na lang tsaka calamansi'

Jeepney drivers in Navotas City have been struggling to feed their families as public transportation remains suspended amid the threat of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

In Mark Salazar's report for "24 Oras," the drivers said they did not receive aid from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)'s Social Amelioration Program.

They are currently depending on donations from kind strangers to survive every day.

"'Yung ulam namin po eh toyo na lang tsaka calamansi po," said Rosmelito Balasbas, who has four children. "Minsan hindi pa makain 'yung naibigay sa aming bigas."

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

According to Mayor Toby Tiangco, aid for the drivers was supposed to be covered by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

The drivers said they prepared a masterlist of their names but this was not accepted by the agency because they used the Driver's Academy Program database.

"Inaantay namin, pabalik-balik kami sa Land Bank. Nagbakasakali kami baka nandoon 'yung pangalan namin pero wala," said Eugenio Samson. 

READ: 'SuperTsuper' helps PUV drivers get donations amid community quarantine

The drivers appealed to be allowed to ply their routes again if they are not going to receive financial aid.

"Gusto nila e-jeep lang muna. Pag kinulang 'yung e-jeep, saka nila tatawagin 'yung jeep. Ano kami panakip butas na lang?" said Evan Magdaluyo.

"Kung maaari lang, para di na lang kami umasa sa gobyerno, bigyan na lang kami ng pagkakaon na makapaghanapbuhay," he added. —MGP, GMA News