Sen. Bam Aquino. RYAN LEAGOGO / INQUIRER.net file photo
MANILA, Philippines — The National Confederation of Transportworkers’ Union (NCTU) has endorsed the reelection bid of opposition Senator Bam Aquino.
The transport group expressed full support for Aquino in a meeting recently held in Lipa, Batangas.
NCTU considers Aquino “as a dependable ally against the government’s oppressive modernization plan and the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law.”
“Malaking bagay ang pag-endorso ng NCTU, na isang malaking grupo ng transport sector. Kasama natin sila sa paglaban sa TRAIN Law at nag-file din kami ng makatarungang modernization bill na mula mismo sa kanilang sektor,” Aquino said in a statement on Friday.
The senator earlier filed a public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization bill, seeking to “make jeepneys safer and more efficient for commuters and the environment, while ensuring the livelihood of drivers and their families.”
“Hindi sila tutol sa modernisasyon. Ang tanging gusto nila ay modernisasyon na walang matatanggalan ng hanapbuhay, walang maiipit at mapeperhuwisyo na mga nagmamaneho ng jeep na nagtatrabaho para sa kanilang pamilya,” Aquino said of the transport workers.
Should this bill be passed into law, “jeepneys will be tested based on road-worthiness and financial assistance will be given to owners who need to upgrade their jeepneys.” /jpv