All out of work on Labor Day.

Over 17,000 drivers and operators in Western Visayas are reported to have lost their jobs on May 1, 2024.

The deadline for the consolidation of traditional jeepneys in line with the public utility vehicles (PUV) modernization program of the Department of Transportation (DoTr) was set originally on December 31, 2023 but was extended on April 30, 2024.

No to PUV Phaseout Coalition Panay (NTPPCP) staged another rally near the office of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTRFB) as it continues to protest against franchise consolidation of PUVs.

Through their protest action, the group reiterated its call to scrap the PUV modernization program.

According to Elmer Forro, NTPPCP lead convener, "over 17,000 drivers and operators in Western Visayas have lost their jobs - what a way to mark Labor Day - as their unconsolidated units are now banned from plying their routes."

Starting May 2, 2024 operators and drivers of unconsolidated units who insist on plying their routes will be apprehended, their units will be impounded.

(via GMA Super Radyo Iloilo)