Several transport groups in Batangas refused to participate in the two-day transport strike organized by PISTON and Manibela slated for April 15 and 16. 

With only 15 days left before the deadline for jeepney consolidation, the groups see no reason to participate in the strike.

“Wala pong binigay na go signal ang aming kooperatiba na sumama kami,” Oligario Jamil Jr., a member of the Batangas Transport Cooperative (BATRASCO), said.

Another jeepney driver, Edwin Ebreto, opted to continue driving as it is his only source of income. 

“Pagka ho kami ay sumama sa trike, ay di rin ho kakain ang aming pamilya. Kung talagang kailangan, eh di liliban muna kami ng pagkain. Doon po talaga [sa pamamasada] kami umaasa sa araw-araw,” Ebreto said.

Efren Ramirez, another jeepney driver, consolidated his vehicle to ensure smooth operations. 

PISTON and Manibela organized the two-day transport strike to oppose the April 30, 2024 deadline for PUV consolidation.

This decision followed President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.'s announcement that the deadline will not be moved. 

The LTFRB 4-A has monitored drivers who participated in the transport strike. The agency will issue a show-cause order to those who joined. 

Loumer Bernabe, Regional Director of LTFRB 4-A, warned of the consequences for drivers found to be participating in the strike, including the revocation or cancellation of their franchise.

“Kung mapapatunayan na sila ay nag participate sa strike o [nag] tigil pasada, ang magiging kaparusahan nito ay ang revocation o cancellation ng kanilang prangkisa. 'Yun naman ay dadaan sa proseso. Alagang ayaw nila na mag consolidate kasi unang-una, ayaw nilang i-give up yung prangkisa na nasa pangalan nila,” Bernabe said.