Another PUJ strike planned on June 10-12

MANILA, Philippines — A transport group will hold a three-day strike next week to protest the alleged harassment and apprehension of drivers of public utility vehicles after the PUV consolidation deadline lapsed on April 30.

According to Manibela president Mar Valbuena, the transport strike will be held from June 10 to 12, in time for the Independence Day rites.

The group is also planning to hold protest actions in front of government offices, particularly the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

The transport group is asking the LTFRB to follow the supposed Congress agreement, which will allow jeepneys unhindered operations for a year.

Manibela members alleged that they are being harassed by MMDA enforcers who take their license plates and impound their vehicles for being unconsolidated.

The transport group maintained that there is no memorandum circular yet that calls for the apprehension of unconsolidated jeepneys.

Valbuena said drivers are also being ticketed for minor violations even if they did not break any traffic rules.

“The Department of Transportation promised to give drivers due process and will be allowed to ply their routes until the revocation of their franchise is final and executory,” he said.

Members of Manibela asked the LTFRB to renew their provisional authority to operate even as the PUV consolidation deadline lapsed on April 30.