THE GOVERNMENT will file a new case against transport group leader George San Mateo for organizing and holding transport strikes last year. “A criminal case will be filed against George San Mateo this week for violation of Section 20 of Commonwealth Act 146,” Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Board Member Aileen A. Lizada told reporters in a message. She was referring to the Public Service Act. She said the charges would be for strikes held in June and October 2017 against the Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) Modernization Program. Mr. San Mateo, president of PISTON, again led a strike yesterday against the government’s removal of dilapidated jeepneys from the streets as part of the program. He was arrested in December for leading a transport strike in February last year. Meanwhile, the Department of Transportation (DoTr) said that a number of transport groups have pledged to deliver 3,000 modern jeepneys within the next three months. The agency signed an agreement with transport groups on Feb. 15. DoTr said a private supplier has committed to deliver 20,000 new PUVs per year, while another pledged to help operators in the processing of financing requirements and rollout of modern PUVs. — Patrizia Paola C. Marcelo

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