Militants launch three-day nationwide public transport strike

Militant groups will begin a three-day transportation strike today to protest the government’s public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program.

President Marcos Jr. earlier this month said there would be no further extension of the program’s April 30 deadline for the franchise consolidation.

The PUVMP was launched in 2017 but its full implementation has been delayed because of opposition by some transport organizations.

The strike’s convergence areas in Metro Manila will include Agoncillo, Alabang, Anonas, Baclaran, Katipunan, Litex, Monumento, Novaliches, Philcoa, Sucat, and Taft.

Members of labor group Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) and party-list Bayan Muna are set to join the driver’s group PISTON.

PISTON deputy secretary general Ruben Baylon said although jeepneys that fail to consolidate beginning May 1 will be apprehended, they will continue plying their routes.

“It is the right of Filipino citizens to serve their country. That is why even if the deadline lapses, drivers and operators will keep hitting the roads,” Baylon said in Filipino.

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