PISTON to hold another nationwide transport strike on Dec. 14-15

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 11) — The group Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide (PISTON) will hold another nationwide transport strike on Dec. 14 and 15. This is to continue protesting the government's public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program, particularly the franchise consolidation deadline.

In a press briefing on Monday, PISTON National President Mody Floranda said the transport strike may be extended, depending on what develops in the coming days.

The strike will take place in Metro Manila and in other parts of the country, he added.

The group’s previous transport strike was held on Nov. 20 to 22 which prompted schools in the Metro to shift to online classes.

The Land Transportation and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) earlier said the modernization program does not intend to phase out traditional jeepneys as long as they are roadworthy.

READ: TIMELINE: The government’s PUV phaseout program

Data from the LTFRB showed that 56% or 96,000 of the 170,000 jeepneys across the country have already consolidated. In Metro Manila, 25% of the 44,000 jeepney units were already consolidated.

This story will be updated.