Jeepney operators in Bacolod protest public transport modernization rule

NOT GIVING UP Public utility vehicle drivers in Bacolod City hold a protest rally against the phaseout of traditional jeepneys along Araneta Street on Dec. 29, 2023 —ANDRIAN NEMES III/CONTRIBUTOR

BACOLOD CITY — Operators of traditional jeepneys here on Wednesday launched a two-day strike to convince President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to scrap the Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP)

However, public transportation in Bacolod was not paralyzed as modern jeepneys, some traditional jeepneys, and taxis continued to ply the city’s streets.

“Our protest has been very successful, 80 to 85 percent of traditional jeepneys have joined our protest,” said Rudy Catedral, president of the Bacolod Alliance for Commuters, Operators, and Drivers.

He said they were joined by members of the Kabacod Negros Transport Coalition and the United Negros Drivers and Operators Center.

Catedral also said they would continue their protest until Thursday if the city officials fail to address their concerns.

Members of the Federation of Bacolod City Drivers Association and Sentrong Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operators Negros (SSTONE) are not joining the strike, according to Eduardo “Junjun” Asis, SSTONE secretary general.

He said their traditional jeepneys were operating but some decided to stop because they were being intimidated by the protestors.

City Legal Officer Romeo Carlos Ting said they have provided vehicles for stranded passengers, but so far few needed assistance since other public utility vehicles were still operating.