By ILOILO CITY – Various transport groups and commuters from different sectors gathered today, April 30, to hold a one-day and one-night camp in front of the Land Transportation Office in Iloilo City. Led by the No To PUV Phaseout Coalition Western Visayas, said groups protest to register their call against the deadline for compulsory consolidation under the government’s PUV Modernization Program, which is set today, April 30.
At lunchtime, different transport groups under said coalition held a dialogue with Congresswoman Jam-Jam Baronda, the lone district representative of Iloilo City. The group presented their situation to Cong. Baronda. They estimated that at least 17,000 traditional jeepney drivers would be affected in Western Visayas, involving a total of at least 70,000 individuals including their families. Moreover, the group also shared that commuters will also be affected since the number of PUVs plying around the city will eventually decrease if the LPTRP and the phaseout of traditional jeepneys are fully implemented. Furthermore, former members of cooperatives who withdrew due to the corrupt practices within the cooperatives also shared their experiences with Cong. Baronda.
The group asked Cong. Baronda to forward their demand to Congress to further extend the deadline for the compulsory consolidation. The Congresswoman said that since President Marcos Jr. has previously made a statement not to extend the deadline, the transportation committee cannot extend it themselves. However, Cong. Baronda said that the transportation committee will try to talk to the President for a possible extension.
The group also asked the Congresswoman for financial/livelihood assistance, especially since they will be affected by the compulsory consolidation. Cong. Baronda said that she would find a way to look for funds to support the affected drivers and operators residing in Iloilo City.
Meanwhile, the Manibela Panay United also conducted a caravan around Iloilo City earlier today. The caravan participated by more than 40 traditional jeepney units passed by and joined for a while at the campsite. Both the NTPPC-WV and Manibela reaffirmed their unity and coordination against the compulsory consolidation.
At night, said groups held a Cultural Night vs #JeepneyPhaseout. Performances covered songs, poems, and speeches that highlight the calls of the transport sector and workers. The call for justice for the killing of Jory Porquia exactly four years ago was also highlighted after the showing of a short documentary film, DOSMILBAYNTE.
In the end, the transport sector re-affirmed their commitment to attend tomorrow’s Labor Day Protest Action to amplify their call to defend their livelihood./PT
