MANILA, Philippines — Supporters of the Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP) are preparing to protest against a Senate resolution that calls for the program’s suspension.
Various transport groups are set to conduct a nationwide “AKKAP MO Synchronize Unity Walk” on Monday, August 5, to demand the repeal of the resolution, which was filed in response to concerns from some drivers and transport groups.
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They plan to march from Welcome Rotonda in Quezon City all the way to Malacañang in Manila.
This was the opposite of the previous protest actions by groups that opposed the modernization program.
In a Facebook post on Friday, the National Federation of Transport Cooperatives (NFTC) urged the public to join the event.
“Ang NFTC ay nakatuon sa paglaban para sa kapakanan ng mga DYBER at OPERATOR, at naniniwala kami na ang paglalakad na ito ay isang mahalagang hakbang upang maprotektahan ang kanilang mga karapatan,” the post read.
(The NFTC is committed to advocating for the welfare of drivers and operators, and we believe that this walk is an important step to protect their rights.)
“Umaasa ang NFTC na ang paglalakad na ito ay magpapadala ng malinaw na mensahe sa Senado na hindi tatanggapin ng mga mamamayan ng Pilipinas ang anumang pagtatangka na sirain ang sistema ng Public Transport Modernization Program,” it added.
(The NFTC hopes that this walk will send a clear message to the Senate that the people of the Philippines will not accept any attempt to undermine the Public Transport Modernization Program.)
READ: 22 senators seek suspension of PUV modernization program
On July 30, transport groups led by the “Magnificent 7” threatened to conduct a strike if the Senate proceeded with its plan to urge President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to suspend the implementation of the PTMP.
The Magnificent 7 is composed of namely Pasang Masda, Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines, Alliance of Concerned Transport Organizations, Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines, Stop and Go Transport Coalition, Liga ng Transportasyon at Operators sa Pilipinas, and National Federation of UV Express Inc.