Over 200 jeepney drivers and operators halted their operations for the second consecutive day in Mataasnakahoy, Batangas in an act of protest against the Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) modernization program.
"Kami po ay hindi kampante sa gagawin nilang modernization program na ito na karamihan sa amin mawawalan ng trabaho, ang itinalaga samin ng LTFRB 87 units lamang, eh kami dito sa mataas na kahoy almost 300," said Isagani Villanueva, the Federation President of the Mataasnakahoy Jeepney Drivers Operators Association.
Although he acknowledges the loss of a day's income due to the strike, Villanueva believes that the potential losses under the PUV modernization program are far greater.
"Sa totoo lang po, nasasayangan pero dahil nga nabalita na last nitong December ay mapi-phase out kami yun naman po ang aming ipina-panawagan sa gobyerno na sana naman po ay ‘wag ganun, hindi ganun," added Isagani Torres, a jeepney driver.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) assured drivers that they wouldn't lose their livelihood entirely, proposing consolidation as a solution.
"Kung hindi ka kaagad makakabili ng bagong unit, pagbibigyan ka namin ng panahon na makabili ng bagong unit," explained Colonel Renwick Rutaquio, regional director of LTFRB 4A.
While some modernized jeepneys are already in operation, passengers like Delia Glorioso found themselves unaware of the transport strike and struggled to board their accustomed traditional jeepneys due to budget constraints.
"Hindi ko alam magkano yun eh, baka kulang pamasahe ko. Kung mamaya pa ho yung jeep 'di ko mahintay may trabaho pa ako," she says.
Rhea Mae Asi, another passenger, pointed out the inconvenience, particularly to students.
"Sobrang hassle po sa biyahe, lalo na sa estudyante eh may hinahabol pa po kami," she says.
Meanwhile, in Cabuyao City, Laguna, some passengers faced transportation challenges due to the sudden strike, further compounded by the resumption of face-to-face classes, prompting the local government to offer free rides.
The LTFRB is monitoring those involved in the transport strike closely, emphasizing that it is a violation of their franchise and carries penalties.
