TRANSPORT GROUPS UNITY WALK ON SUSPENSION OF PUVMP

Members of the cooperative are holding a "Unity Walk" this Monday (August 5) in favor of the government's Public Transport Modernization Program. Drivers and operators are protesting the Senate's recommendation to suspend the program.

The "Unity Walk" started at the Welcome Rotonda in Quezon City and they walked to Mendiola in Manila towards Malacañang to call for the continuation of the Public Utility Vehicles Modernization Program (PUVMP).

Unity walk of drivers and operators today August 5, regarding the possible suspension of PUV modernization program (Photo courtesy of GMA News)

5,000 to 10,000 drivers and operators are the number expected that joined the “Unity Walk”. According to the Kooperatiba at Korporasyon ng Alyansang Pilipino para sa Modernisasyon (AKKAP MO), simultaneous strikes will also be held in other parts of the country such as Cagayan de Oro and Cebu.

Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (ALTODAP) expressed that the pro-PUVMP groups were not given the chance to speak during the Senate hearing.

“It is disappointing that the Senate did this. It seems that during the hearing, the 20% unconsolidated PUVs were the only ones given the chance to speak. For us in the 80% who consolidated, we were brushed off. We were displeased as we followed the program. If they wanted to stop this, they should have done it in 2016 to 2017,” the group said.

In a report, the Manila Police District (MPD) personnel blocked the various groups that were supposed to march to Mendiola from the Welcome Rotonda. Motorists will not be able to pass España Blvd. (westbound lane) in Manila. Later on, police have allowed the protesters to continue their unity walk to Mendiola near Malacañang.

“The message we want to convey to the President is clear. He must not listen to the recommendation of the Senate. Discard it and allow the modernization program to move forward,” AKKAP group stated.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said free rides will be offered to commuters who will be affected by the strike and unity walk. 

On Wednesday, 22 of the 23 senators signed a resolution urging the government to temporarily suspend the implementation of the PUVMP, which is now known as the Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP).

Source: GMA Integrated News 

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