ORGANIZERS OF a two-day nationwide transport strike that was supposed to begin Monday, Dec. 4, have called off their protest action, citing a senator’s appeal to hear their concerns.

In a statement on Saturday, Senator Grace Poe, chairperson of the Senate committee on public services, appealed to organizers Pinagkaisang Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON) and the No to Jeepney Phaseout Coalition, “Let us sit down and talk, and find ways to move forward with solutions that are socially just and feasible.”

“I will file a resolution in order to conduct a hearing that will address these issues of public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and operators alike,” Ms. Poe had also said.

In response, PISTON president George F. San Mateo said in a press conference on Sunday: “Kaya naa-appreciate natin itong pagwelcome, yung pag-apela sa atin ni Senator Grace Poe at dahil diyan ay napagdesisyunan natin in due consultation sa ating mga miyembro sa Metro Manila at sa iba’t iba pang mga probinsya na magbigay daan sa apela ni Senator Grace doon sa public hearing sa Dec. 7 na kinakasa ni Senator Grace para ma-trace out itong issue at itong ating mga karaingan.”

(That’s why we appreciate Senator Grace Poe’s appeal and because of that, we decided in due consultation with our members in Metro Manila and the different provinces to give way…to a public hearing on Dec. 7 to trace out this issue and our grievances.)

“Kaya bukas, dahil pinagpapaliban natin ang tigil pasada, bukas magkakaron tayo ng malaking transport caravan rally papuntang Mendiola,” Mr. San Mateo also said. (That’s why tomorrow, instead of the strike, we will have a huge transport caravan rally heading to Mendiola.)

The government is set to implement a modernization program on the gradual phaseout of old PUVs, to be replaced by environment-friendly e-vehicles through a financing program for jeepney operators and drivers.

Jeepney operators have expressed opposition to the program, citing its considerable cost to drivers and limited transition period, among other factors.

For its part, a coalition of consumers, the Samahan at Ugnayan ng mga Konsyumer para sa Ikauunlad ng Bayan (SUKI), said on Saturday: “We all want a modern, safe and convenient transport system. But please do not use us for a ‘modernization program’ that will fleece commuters with exorbitant fares and destroy the livelihoods of thousands of small jeepney drivers and operators. Not in our name!”

Malacañang, in response to organizers suspending their strike, said it welcomed this development. “We remain optimistic that PISTON will soon engage with the government, and support the implementation of the long-delayed PUV modernization Program, which only aims to provide our commuters a safer, more reliable, convenient environment-friendly, and dignified commuting experience,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry L. Roque, Jr. also said.

Mr. Roque also clarified there has been no announcement by the Palace on the suspension of work and classes.

Ms. Poe, in a statement on Sunday, said she will invite Transportation Secretary Arthur P. Tugade. “Inaasahan natin na dadalo siya sapagkat mahalaga ang pagdinig na ito at nakasalalay ang kapakanan ng napakarami. Pagkakataon ni Secretary Tugade na ilatag sa madla ang kaniyang mga plano at ipahiwatig ang kanyang malasakit,” she said.

(We hope he will come because this hearing is important as it hinges on the welfare of many. This is Secretary Tugade’s opportunity to clarify his plans to the people and convey his compassion.)

For her part, board member Aileen Lourdes A. Lizada of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board told reporters on Sunday: “”We have directed the head of the enforcement to direct all enforcers to check the terminals of PISTON as well as the routes involved, then we will decide tomorrow before noontime if we will proceed with the monitoring the whole day. We will not rely on the (Sunday) presscon, we cannot afford surprises for the riding public.”

She added: “This directive has likewise been given to all regional offices for them to check the respective routes and terminals of PISTON and their allied transport groups or labor groups. Then the regional directors will decide before noontime to push through or cancel the monitoring proper.” — Andrea Louise E. San Juan with Patrizia Paola C. Marcelo

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