Commuters brace for transport strikes

Commuters should brace for a series of transport strikes to be launched by transport groups in Metro Manila starting tomorrow.

The transport holiday will be conducted to oppose the jeepney phaseout planned by the Duterte administration.

Members of the Pinagkaisang Samahan ng Tsuper at Operators Nationwide (PISTON) will start their protest tomorrow with a vigil in Mendiola, Manila before joining anti-martial law rallyists in Rizal Park.

PISTON national president George San Mateo said thousands of public utility vehicle (PUV) operators and drivers are expected to participate in the strike.

San Mateo appealed to the riding public to join the protest, saying the government’s PUV modernization program would also affect commuters due to higher fares.

The Samahan ng Tsuper at Operators ng Pilipinas Genuine Organization (Stop and Go) said it would hold a two-day transport holiday on Sept. 25 and 26.

The group will conduct a program in front of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board office in Quezon City.

Stop and Go president Jun Magno said drivers and operators could not shoulder the P1.6-million loan for new jeepney units and daily amortization of P800.

The group pushed for the rehabilitation of old jeepneys instead of acquiring new units.