Public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and operators who joined the nationwide transport strike on Monday, Sept. 30, will be summoned by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB-6).

“We will issue show cause orders to let them explain why their franchises to operate should not be suspended or revoked, said LTFRB-6 Director Richard Osmeña.

There is a memorandum, according to Osmeña, that prohibits PUV operators from staging protests.

“Operators shall not resort to cessation of service as a sign or demonstration of protest against any government decision or action,” part of LTFRB Memorandum Circular No. 2011-004 stated.

Some transport groups in the city and province of Iloilo took part in the transport strike to protest the phaseout of old vehicles.

The phaseout is part of the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) modernization program that seeks to provide a safer and environment-friendly transport system for commuters. 

Under the program, jeepneys 15 years and older will be replaced by electric-powered or Euro 4 compliant vehicles.

The transport regulator claimed that the strike failed to cripple the public transportation in Iloilo City.

Osmeña said only 30 percent of the PUVs in the city joined the strike.

“The Iloilo City Loop Alliance of Jeepney Drivers Association (ICLAJODA) and three other transport groups in the city did not participate in the strike,” he said.

Last week, City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas issued an executive order suspending classes in the city.

The class suspension covered all levels in both public and private schools.

The city government also provided free transport for commuters affected by the strike.

Meanwhile, Bayan Panay secretary general Elmer Forro slammed Osmeña for “repeatedly threatening” drivers and operators to cancel their franchises.

“Dir. Osmeña has been acting like Duterte, a bully, for spreading threats and lies against our transport groups who joined [the] strike,” said Forro.

“We would like to remind Dir. Osmeña that our 1987 Philippine Constitution’s Bill of Rights granted us the right to peacebly assemble, join organizations and freedom of expression to address our demands to the government,” he further said.IMT.

Photo by Flo Navarrete