Transport cooperatives operating modernized public utility jeepneys (PUJs) in Panay Island mulled a “tigil-pasada” (transport strike) reportedly because of the continued trips of unconsolidated traditional jeepneys.

Cooperatives claim to have incurred losses because of stiff competition against “kolorum” or unconsolidated units of traditional PUJs that remain to have plied routes in Iloilo City.

Following this, the alliance of cooperatives in Panay Island will spearhead a transport holiday, or a few hours of trip cancellation.

No fixed date has been agreed yet, as of this writing, and the specific number of hours. But on February 19, representatives of cooperatives met at the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) 6 where the agency vowed intense operation against “kolorum” (Filipino term used primarily to describe unregistered or unauthorized public utility vehicles operating without the necessary franchise or permit from the government).

Raymundo Parcon, chairman of the Western Visayas Transport Cooperative, said that pursuing the transport strike depends on the implementation of the campaigns of LTFRB and the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

GMA Regional TV One Western Visayas sought a statement from the LTFRB but no one accommodated the news team.

Regional Director Richard Osmeña has not answered the news team’s calls either.

Atty. Gaudioso Geduspan II, LTO 6 director, pointed out that aside from continued trips of unconsolidated traditional jeepneys, the cooperatives may have resented the stringent operation against overloading of modernized PUJs.

However, this was denied by the camp of transport cooperatives, citing they are in favor of the programs of the LTO and LTFRB.

Despite Geduspan’s opinion, he has requested transport cooperatives to reconsider in order to avoid disservice to the public that relies heavily on public conveyances.