Government, transport groups in standoff over consolidation deadline

MANILA, Philippines — The government and transport workers continue to be at a standoff as the two-day transport strike continues today despite a lengthy dialogue with officials of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

Transport group Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide said it will continue its protest action against the public utility vehicle modernization program as the government has yet to address PISTON’s demands.

Piston president Mody Floranda said they are firm on their demands to junk the Dec. 31 deadline for consolidation and to renew the franchises and provisional authority to operate of traditional jeepneys.

“It is important to insist on the junking of the Dec. 31 deadline. It is not only the drivers and operators who will suffer, but the commuting public as well. What will happen in January?” he said following the dialogue.

Floranda lamented that LTFRB chairman Teofilo Guadiz said he no longer has the authority to remove the deadline as President Marcos already made his pronouncement not to extend.

“What we are saying is that the deadline must be removed and we must be allowed to renew provisional authority and franchises. But he (Guadiz) answered that he no longer has authority and the authority to remove the deadline is with the President,” Floranda added.

Piston and other sectoral groups have camped outside the LTFRB office in Quezon City to protest the consolidation deadline.

The LTFRB said that while the Dec. 31 deadline is non-negotiable, it is willing to give in to some of the requests of the transport groups.

It added that they have already simplified the requirements for consolidation and waived penalties for operators.

LTFRB spokesperson Celine Pialago said they are also coordinating with the Office of Transport Cooperatives to address coop management issues raised by the group.

The strike of jeepney drivers from Piston paralyzed certain routes in Manila, leaving passengers struggling to board jeepneys yesterday.

According to a report from the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, lack of passenger jeepneys were seen in the following routes: Pureza to Cubao; Divisoria/Recto