LTFRB urges transport groups to call off Sept. 30 nationwide strike

MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Wednesday called on transport groups to cancel their planned nationwide transport strike on Monday, September 30.

Major transport groups Alliance of Concerned Transport Organization (ACTO) and Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operators Nationwide (Piston) is set to stage a massive transport strike on Monday to oppose the proposed phaseout of jeepneys and UV express service vehicles next year as part of the government’s public utility service (PUV) modernization program.

LTFRB appealed to the groups to “reconsider” holding the strike “as this will surely inconvenience the riding public and may jeopardize public safety.”

It also reminded operators and drivers that a mass transport strike is “in direct violation of the provisions contained in their franchise.

“Those who will participate in the activity may face suspension or even cancellation and revocation of their franchise,” LTFRB said in a statement.

The transport regulator urged transport groups, cooperatives, operators and drivers to participate in a dialogue with the government “to discuss pressing issues and concerns” on the implementation of the PUV modernization program.