FILE PHOTO: In this 2017 photo, traditional jeepneys ply along Aurora Boulevard in Cubao, Quezon City. The government has pushed for the modernization of public utility vehicles, leading to the phaseout of the jeepney that was once called “King of Philippine roads.” Philippine Daily Inquirer/ Richard A. Reyes
MANILA, Philippines — The week-long transport strike from March 6 will go on despite the announcement of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) that it is extending the deadline for the traditional jeepney phaseout until December 31.
Manibela even slammed local government units (LGUs) for allegedly offering financial assistance at this time, a move that the transport group thought was just being done to pacify operators of traditional jeepneys.
“Double Time ang mga LGU ngayon para kausapin mga Local Transport, at pinangakuan na naman ng ayuda,” Manibela claimed in a Facebook post.
(LGUs are now on double time talking to local transport, promising to provide financial aid again.)
READ: Transport group sets week-long strike, hits traditional jeepney phaseout deadline
“So dapat pala laging may pa tigil pasada para may ayuda? Tuloy ang Tigil Pasada!” it added.
(So there should always be a transport strike so that there will be aid? The transport strike will continue!)
On Wednesday, the LTFRB said it is moving the deadline of the traditional jeepney phaseout again, following the advice of Transport Secretary Jaime Bautista, the pronouncement of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., and the Senate’s appeal.
READ: Extended again: LTFRB says new deadline for traditional jeepney phaseout is Dec 31
But Manibela argued that the LTFRB’s extension would still mean a loss of livelihood for operators and drivers of traditional jeepneys nationwide.
“Pinapakalma lang tayo pero sa dulo mawawala pa din ang hanapbuhay natin kasi extension lang tapos palit unit pa rin,” the group said.
(They’re just trying to calm us down but in the end we will still lose our livelihood because it’s just an extension and then we still have to change units.)
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