The three-day transportation strike or tigil pasada, spearheaded by transport group Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON), commenced today, Nov. 20.
According to RH Edniel Parrosa's report during DZRH Dos Por Dos, 400 public utility jeepney (PUJ) drivers in Marikina will be joining the nationwide transport strike.
Members of the transport group Marikina-Pasig Pateros Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association (MAPAPJODA) joined PISTON's tigil pasada, and their participation consequently caused long lines of passengers in the Marikina Sports Complex.
However, the Marikina Transport Office immediately deployed vehicles to assist the affected commuters.
"Nang malaman namin na may transport strike, umikot kami sa ating transport sector at nalaman natin yung isang grupo sa Pasig ay sasama sa welga ng transportasyon. Kaya po ginawan natin ng paraan na malagyan ng bumbyahe sa ruta na pa-Pasig," an Office of Public Safety and Security (OPSS) official told Parrosa in an interview.
Meanwhile, RH Christian Maño reported that around 300 jeepney drivers, who are members of PISTON, joined the transportation strike in Dr. A Santos Ave., Parañaque.
Nasa 300 tsuper sa Dr. A Santos, Ave. sa Paranaque na miyembro ng PISTON, lumahok sa tigil-pasada kontra PUV Modernization Program | @dzrhnews https://t.co/0mZ1hZusvk pic.twitter.com/5LnuDJSMVq
— Christian Maño (@xtian_mano) November 19, 2023
Alongside, PISTON members gathered at the Monumento Circle in Caloocan City to air their disapproval of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), according to RH Edwin Duque.
On Sunday, Nov. 19, PISTON National President Mody Floranda told DZRH that they estimated that 100,000 jeepney drivers would be joining the transportation strike.
Floranda urged the public to support their protest against the PUVMP.
"Tayo ay nanawagan, hindi lamang sa hanay ng public transport. Sana po ay suportahan ninyo ang laban ng mga driver at operator. Ang laban natin ay laban ng ating mamamayan. Ang layunin natin dito ay manatili ang kabuhayan ng ating driver at operator at manatiling ang mas murang serbisyo para sa inyo," he said.
The three-day transportation strike will end on Wednesday, Nov. 22.
