By Aura Sison

In an attempt to go against and postpone the modernization of public transportation vehicles, specifically public utility jeepneys (PUJs), a week-long nationwide strike is being held from Monday, March 6, to March 12, 2023.

Transport group Manibela, together with other groups and citizens highlighted that the heavy costs entailed by the modernization “will burden” the jeepney drivers; hence, several drivers and operators held a demonstration in Monumento, Caloocan City, to ask for the cancellation of the PUV modernization program, according to the Bayan Muna partylist.

Meanwhile, several groups were spotted assembling on University Avenue in Quezon City in support of the transit strike.

Police groups have also deployed vehicles to aid commuters throughout the week-long protest, with Brigadier General José Hidalgo Jr., director of Police Regional Office 3, saying that “all police units in the area were prepared to reinforce the transit to ferry commuters to their destinations.” 

“Ang panawagan po natin dito sa modernization program ay dapat hindi tanggalin ‘yung ating mga traditional jeepney, yung ating mga [Utility Vehicles], kundi dapat itong i-rehab,” remarked Piston national President Moly Floranda.

To close its beginning, jeepney drivers and operators were joined by commuters in protest at the Katipunan jeepney terminal in Quezon City.

Before March 6, multiple cities and schools suspended onsite classes and have shifted to an online modality, while the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority announced the suspension of the expanded number coding scheme on Monday, March 6. 

However, MMDA Acting Chairman Romando Artes said in a press briefing that the implementation of the expanded number coding scheme in Metro Manila will be back today. 

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