DAY 1: Jeepney drivers and operators start transport strike

THE three-day transport strike starts today, with the jeepney drivers and operators that are opposed to the government’s Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) Modernization Program aiming to paralyze the streets.

As early as 6 a.m., some 50 protesters from the Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide (PISTON) parked their vehicles at the Service Road of Roxas Boulevard near Baclaran Church.

Commuters at Baclaran, Parañaque, found it hard to get a ride to their point of destination.

According to the protesters, they would not ply their Baclaran-Divisoria route and vice versa.

The Southern Police District were on the scene to provide security shouldthe situation get out of hand.

But along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City, the protest has yet to be felt as traffic was still heavy and passengers going on their usually rides as well at around 6:20 in the morning.

Along Commonwealth Avenue near Litex, can be seen with traditional jeepneys, e-jeepneys, buses, taxis, and motorcycle taxis.

Many drivers said they will not join the protest.

Along Monumento Circle in Caloocan City, commuters can still choose their public transportation.

Yet other jeepney drivers sympathetic to the cause said they will just take two or three trips before joining the protest.

The DOTr said that they would implement the PUV Modernization Program while awaiting the decision of the SC on the petition of jeepney drivers and operators to halt the program.