Jeepney Phaseout Gets Another Strike From PISTON, Classes Suspended In Manila

Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON) and No Jeepney Phaseout Coalition staged their first strike on March 19 against the jeepney phaseout. This led several schools and local government units nationwide to suspend work and classes.

PISTON president George San Mateo said the group is not against modernization, but drivers and operators are unable to afford new models. In an article by the Philippine Daily Inquirer, San Mateo said, “Hindi po tayo tutol sa modernization pero tutol tayo sa Jeepney Phase Out na isinusulong ng pamahalaan sa ilalim ng pekeng negosyong modernization program.”

The lower class voice out

The government’s decision to modernize vehicles comes from the reason to make them safer and more environmentally friendly. But jeepneys are the cheapest mode of transportation. So the ones who will be greatly affected by this are those in the lower class.

In an article by Reuters, a jeepney driver sounded off after a traffic enforcer pulled him aside because his jeepney was belching black smoke. “It is a big hassle to us poor people since we are the ones suffering,” he said.

The government is phasing old and shabby jeepneys to make way for safer, cleaner, and bigger replacements. But some jeepney drivers are unhappy with the more expensive models, priced at around 1.8 million pesos.

“The government is using this crackdown on dilapidated and smoke-belching jeepneys to force poor operators to buy new ones they cannot afford,” San Mateo said last week in a protest in front of the transport regulator’s office.

Suspension of classes

Just a few hours ago, Malacañang announced the suspension of classes in Metro Manila due to threats by some groups. The decision to suspend for those outside Metro Manila was left to the local government unit.

“In view of actual and/or imminent threats posed by some groups, we are suspending classes at all levels in Metro Manila effective today, March 20, to safeguard the safety of students,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement.

Roque adds the president Rodrigo Duterte will suspend classes even with the slightest threat of a strike to ensure the protection and well-being of students.”

The groups behind the supposed threats were not disclosed.

The voice of the people

Many Filipinos voiced their out stand against the jeepney phaseout on Twitter with the hashtag #NotToJeepneyPhaseout.

TO ALL UP STUDENTS:

Classes our suspended today. Let’s not forget to whom do we owe this day. Not to Herbert, but to all the jeepney drivers who still choose to fight.

As pag-asa ng bayan, we are called to unite with them! Punta na dito sa Philcoa! #NoToJeepneyPhaseout

— Aidz #NoToJeepneyPhaseout (@bandAIDZZ) March 19, 2018

while we’re confined in the comforts of our home, probably studying for our prelims (or maybe catching up on sleep), our kuyas and ates are on the streets fighting for their only source of income, waiting to be heard by our blind and deaf government lol #NoToJeepneyPhaseout

— kamyel (@camiellelapid) March 18, 2018

Today, lots of jeepney drivers are sacrificing a day’s wage for the transport strike. Let’s bear that in mind and support them. This is much bigger than the ‘inconvenience’ that you will suffer. #NoToJeepneyPhaseout

— Manell Queen 🌻 (@metromanella) March 19, 2018

Malacanang trying so hard to antagonize PISTON that they called for a suspension of classes for no apparent reason. What kind of government is this? #NoToJeepneyPhaseout

— bogs (@LeeJannAbes) March 20, 2018