The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Wednesday warned drivers and operators of the Pinagkaisang Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (Piston), saying their franchises and licenses might be canceled if they join in the planned two-day transport strike in December.
Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade has already instructed the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and Land Transportation Office (LTO) to cancel the franchises and licenses of those who will hold a transport strike on December 4 and 5.
“We have invited PISTON to dialogues, but still they insisted on holding strikes. Other transport groups sat down with us and we discussed the program together. Why can’t PISTON do that? I am positive that when they do, they will understand and they will agree that it is time to overhaul the public transportation system,” he said.
Earlier, major transport groups No to Jeepney Phaseout Coalition and Pinagkaisahang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator Nationwide has rose to the challenge of President Rodrigo Duterte and declared their holding of another jeepney strike on the first week of December.
Citing the government’s support for the riding public in implementing the PUV Modernization Program (PUVMP), Tugade said they will not allow PUV drivers and operators to disrupt public convenience.
Moreover, Transportation Undersecretary for Road and Infrastructure Thomas Orbos urged the groups to consider the interest of the riding public.
“It is high time for them stop prioritizing their own interests, and start considering the interest of the riding public which, for the longest time, has been clamoring for a safe, convenient and environment-friendly system of public transport,” Orbos said.
Orobos added that the PUVMP aims to modernize the fleet of jeepneys and not to phase them out.
Malacañang has also cautioned jeepney drivers and operators that they might face “legal consequences” of holding a transport strike.
On October, PISTON staged the first transport strike to protest against the government’s jeepney modernization program. The strike has pushed the government to suspend government work and classes nationwide.
The PUV modernization program aims to phase out old and dilapidated jeepneys and replace them with high-quality transport systems that are bigger and eco-friendly.
As of writing, PISTON hasn’t released a statement in reaction to it.