PUV operators, drivers warned against transport strike on President’s SONA

LAND Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chairman Teofilo Guadiz 3rd on Tuesday warned public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and operators who will join the planned three-day transport strike on Monday, July 24, 2023, that their franchises could be suspended or canceled..

LAND Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chairman Teofilo Guadiz 3rd

“To those who plan to participate in the transport strike, I am informing you that your franchises may be suspended or canceled should you decide to continue what you are planning,” Guadiz said during a press conference in Quezon City organized by various public transport groups.

Guadiz was referring to LTFRB Memorandum Circular 2011-004, which prohibits public transport operators and drivers from halting operations as a means of protest.

The LTFRB chief also assured commuters that they will not be affected by the transport strike announced by another transport group, Manibela.

“Just continue with your plans during those days. Don't worry, you will not be affected by the strike,” he said.

Guadiz was joined by 10 of the biggest transport associations and cooperatives in the country in the press conference during which they announced that they will not join the transport strike.

Last week, Manibela announced it will conduct a three-day nationwide transport strike or “tigil-pasada” in opposition to the PUV modernization program on Monday, the same day President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is scheduled to deliver his Second State of the Nation Address (SONA).

Manibela said traditional jeepneys are being phased out as those who shifted to modernized units have incurred losses.

It cited data showing that out of about 300,000 jeepneys in the country, only 6,000 have been modernized.

Guadiz called on Manibela and other protesters not to push through with their strike.

“We are asking those who are planning to go on strike: do not continue. Let us go back to the negotiating table. We've been talking for several months,” Guadiz said.

“Once again, we are inviting them to go back to the negotiating table. We believe that we have the solutions. The so-called phaseout will not yet be implemented. So long as they pass the LTO's roadworthiness,” he added.

Transport groups who organized the press conference include officers and members of Pangkahalatang Sanggunian Manila at Suburbs Drivers Association (Pasang-Masda), Liga ng Transportasyon at Operators sa Pilipinas (LTOP), Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (ALTODAP), UV-EXPRESS, Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operators Nationwide (Piston), Alliance of Concerned Transport Organizations (ACTO), Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (FEJODAP), Stop & Go, Taxi National Org., Confederation of Truckers Association of the Philippines (CTAP), and Private Bus Operators Association (PBOA).