LOOK: Transport groups not part of jeepney strikes cited

Private bus operators, transport groups and government agencies that provided assistance to stranded commuters during the nationwide jeepney strike last February were recognized by the Department of Transportation and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board on Monday at Camp Aguinaldo. DOTr TWITTER PHOTO

The Department of Transportation and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board on Monday recognized transport groups, bus operators, and government agencies that provided assistance to stranded passengers during the jeepney strikes held last month.

The groups and agencies were commended in a ceremony led by DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade and LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra at Camp Aguinaldo.

Massive nationwide strikes by several transport groups were held last Feb. 6 and 27, causing work and class suspensions and thousands of commuters stranded.

READ: Transport strike forces class suspensions Monday | Passengers stranded as transport strike hits Metro, provinces

The groups, led by PISTON, were calling for a stop to the government’s modernization plan to phase out jeepneys that are at least 15 years old and replace them with e-jeepneys.

Transport groups recognized by the DOTr and LTFRB were Acto, Altodap, Fejodap, LTOP, Pasang Masda, Code-X and 1-Utak. Thirty-eight bus operators were also commended.

Among the government agencies cited were Armed Forces of the Philippines Joint Task Force NCR, Philippine National Police, Philippine Coast Guard, Metro Manila Development Authority and Department of Public Works and Highways.

“In unity there is strength. We have proven once again that, when there is teamwork and collaboration, we can achieve more. As we face various challenges as a nation, we shall need more of this. We shall divide the tasks in order to multiply our success,” AFP Gen. Eduardo Año said in his speech. Frances Mangosing/JE