March 19 transport strike vs jeepney phase-out to push through

A nationwide transport strike geared to oppose the government’s jeepney-modernization program will push through on Monday, March 19, a transport group announced on Sunday.

Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (Piston) President George San Mateo said jeepney drivers, operators, and workers are set to participate in their protest actions.

Their main rally center will be in Cubao along Aurora Boulevard in front of Cubao Elementary School. Protest actions will also be held at Alabang Viaduct, Monumento Circle, Novaliches-Bayan, and Anda Circle in Manila.

San Mateo said the transport holiday would start at 12:01 a.m. of March 19, while programs in rally centers would commence at 6:00 a.m.

“Hindi po tayo tutol sa modernization pero tutol tayo sa Jeepney Phase Out na isinusulong ng pamahalaan sa ilalim ng pekeng negosyong modernization program,” San Mateo said.

(We are not against modernization but we are against the jeepney phase out that the government is pushing for under the fake business modernization program.) /je