Transport group Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON) will once again hold a three-day transportation strike next week in protest against the nearing April 30 franchise consolidation deadline under the government's Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) modernization program.
During the Pandesal forum on Saturday, April 27, PISTON Secretary General Ruben Baylon announced that the tigil pasada will begin on Monday, April 29, and end on May 1, Labor Day.
According to Baylon, the transport strike will be felt on major roads in the National Capital Region, including Alabang in Muntinlupa, Baclaran, Sucat, Parañaque, Taft Avenue in Manila, Monumento in Caloocan, Novaliches, Aguincillo, Litex, Anonas, Project 2 and 3, Katipunan, Philcoa and Commonwealth in Quezon City.
"'Yung mga major roads na iyan [ay] kung saan magti-tipon-tipon sa umaga pa lang, at sa hapon ay tutungo sa mas malaking assembly hanggang pagsapit ng Mayo Uno," Baylon continued.
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. earlier said he would not extend the PUV consolidation after the April 30 deadline.
The PISTON secretary general, however, maintained that jeepney drivers would continue to ply their routes in May.
"Sa Mayo Uno, sabi nila paghuhulihin na raw yung mga jeep. Karapatan ng mga mamamayang Pilipino na maglingkod sa sambayanan kung kaya't kahit pa matapos ang deadline, hinding-hindi titigil sa pamamasada ang mga driver at operator."
Joining PISTON in the tigil pasada are members of Kilusang Mayo Uno.
Kilusang Mayo Uno Secretary General Jerome Adonis said thousands of workers in transport and multi-sectors will be participating in PISTON's transport strike to demand wage increases and also raise other labor and national issues.
