PISTON announces 3-day 'tigil-pasada' a month ahead of PUV consolidation deadline

MANILA, Philippines — Progressive transport group Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide announced a nationwide three-day transport strike a month ahead of the December 31 deadline for PUV consolidation deadline.

PISTON leaders set the upcoming strike from November 20 to 23 after being announced at a press conference held at the Commission on Human Rights in Quezon City on Wednesday.

Drivers and operators of traditional jeepneys and UV Express units need to consolidate into cooperatives or corporations before the deadline. Those who fail to do so to will be ordered to stop their operations under the PUV modernization program.

This is in response to the forthcoming phaseout of traditional jeepneys, aligning with the government's initiative to transition towards modern minibuses that are considered more "environmentally friendly".

PISTON argued that modern jeepneys are overly costly, potentially burdening operators with significant debt, citing unit costs reaching up to P2.8 million each.

The militant group clarified that they are not against modernization but are pushing for a transition that is more just and humane.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier promised to review the highly controversial modernization program for public utility vehicles.

Over 120,000 jeepney units went on a tigil-pasada last October under the leadership of transport group MANIBELA while protesting the said deadline and alleged corruption within the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board.