Drivers protest high fees anew

CEBU, Philippines - At least 200 PISTON members protested in front SM City Cebu and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board office  against the Joint Administrative Order on high violation fees.

George San Mateo, PISTON Partylist national coordinator, said they also want Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama to set an alternative route for the SM MyBus that will not affect their daily routes.

San Mateo said the MyBus is not the solution to the traffic problem in Metro Cebu.

Rama already clarified that the route for MyBus will not affect the regular routes of Public Utility Jeepneys, since the route of MyBus is within the South Road Properties, where no PUJs are allowed.

But Rama said he will still hear the request of PISTON, based on what is good for all.

The group threatened to continue their transport strikes in Metro Cebu if their pleas are ignored. Yesterday’s protesters were mostly drivers of PUJs plying routes in Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, as well as routes plying Barangay Bulacao and V. Rama Avenue in Cebu City. Some tricycle drivers from Paknaan, Mandaue City also joined the protest. – (FREEMAN)