DOTr mulls raps vs transport groups for traffic ‘obstructions’ during strike

A truck deployed by policemen in Central Luzon fetches stranded commuters as major transportation groups stage a two-day strike to protest the government’s consolidation of franchises of PUV operators and drivers. (Photo courtesy of POLICE REGIONAL OFFICE 3)

MANILA, Philippines — Protesters who participated in the two-day transport strike may be held liable for committing traffic violations, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said on Tuesday.

According to Bautista, the Department of Transportation observed that the protest was only successful in causing traffic congestion for travelers and motorists.

READ: This is not a successful transport strike–DOTr

“Kung anuman ang ginawa nilang kasalanan ay re-review-hin ‘yan ng government agencies,” Bautista said at the sidelines of the Land Transportation Office’s founding anniversary.

(Whatever infractions they committed will be reviewed by government agencies.)

Bautista added that the protesters can assert their rights, but they should not cause inconvenience to the public.

“Ang nakita namin ay obstruction, which created traffic. Mayroon naman silang right na ipaglaban ang kanilang karapatan, pero ‘wag naman sanang maapektuhan ang traveling public,” Bautista added.

(We saw that there were obstructions which caused traffic. They can fight for their rights, but the traveling public should not be affected.)

Bautista made the comments following the first day of the transport strike organized by transport groups Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide (PISTON) and Samahang Manibela Mananakay at Nagkaisang Terminal ng Transportasyon (Manibela).

READ: LTFRB: April 30 is final consolidation deadline

The groups are protesting the deadline for consolidating jeepney drivers and operators, the first part of the Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) Modernization Program.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., who moved the deadline from December 31, 2023, to April 30, 2024, said there will no longer be extensions to the final date of the consolidation of franchises of PUV drivers and operators.