PUV modernization program opposed

20 protesters gathered in front of the regional office of the Land Transportation Office (LTO 11) to oppose the public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program of the government.

In a statement, Davao City Police Office (DCPO) city director Police Senior Superintendent Alexander Tagum said that the Transmission Piston led by Toto Vulcan held a protest yesterday to air their demand on the plan of the Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on elevating the physical standard of PUVs to better provide commuters a safer, environmentfriendly and comfortable means of transportation.

Along with the Transmission Piston are mem-

bers of Kadamay and Gabriela conduct bringing their concerns to the streets to oppose the plan on phasing out old jeepneys, fearing that drivers will lose their means of livelihood.

They also rallied their concern on defiance to the implementation of Martial Law in Mindanao and demanded for its lifting.

The rally, Tagum said, ended at around 10:55 a.m. with no untoward incidents.

"The rally in Davao City is just a complying activity as most of the SMR LLO leaders are in Manila to participate in a bigger rally during the State of the Nation Address (Sona)," Tagum said.

The program, according to the Department of Transportation (DOTr), aims to replace vehicles that have been operating for 15 years or more.