Duterte: Jeepney modernization foes will face rubber bullets

Saying he thrives in turmoil, President Duterte said on Tuesday he was preparing government troops to “buy rubber bullets” and get ready with their truncheons should transport leaders reject the jeepney modernization program.

The President noted that Piston (Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide) had threatened to boycott the program when it is implemented next year.

“This Piston, they say they will not follow. I said let’s try then because I’m preparing the Armed Forces and the police to buy rubber bullets and prepare their truncheons,” he said in a speech.

“I don’t care if we go into turmoil. That is what I like. I thrive best in a turmoil. I will really drag [your] vehicles,” he added.

In October, Piston went on a two-day transport strike to protest the Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) Modernization Program but President Duterte stood firm on his decision that old jeepneys should be phased out by Jan. 1.

Under the program, current jeepney operators are given three years to replace their units with either electric or hybrid vehicles or models that have passed Euro-4 emission standards. These units, however, can cost up to P1.6 million each and drivers are concerned that these would leave them knee-deep in debt.

The proposed modernization program will displace 270,000 jeepneys nationwide, according to the Crispin B. Beltran Research Center.

“This is a test of the Left. This modernization. Look guys, we all know that we are being killed slowly. You can see the fumes. You should see Manila at sunset,” Mr. Duterte said.

“If you see the mist, it’s almost floating over the city. Those are fumes, carbon dioxide and all,” he added.

The President earlier accused Piston of being a front organization of the Communist Party of the Philippines.

“I’m just telling the truth. [The human rights group] Karapatan, (the labor group] Kilusang Mayo Uno, Piston, they are the legal fronts of the Communist Party of the Philippines,” he said.