Jeepney drivers and operators picket in front of the House of Representatives in Quezon City on May 21, 2024.

Protest against Jeepney Modernization amid House Hearing

Lady Vicencio

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/171627801914320240521-jeepney-modernization-protest-2MD_7911-MD.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Jeepney drivers and operators picket in front of the House of Representatives in Quezon City on May 21, 2024, in time with the continuation of a House committee hearing on the PUV Modernization Program. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News</span></span></span>MANILA — Transport groups held a rally at the House of Representatives on Tuesday, weeks after the deadline for consolidation under the PUV Modernization Program lapsed on April 30.</div><p>Many jeepney drivers and operators who did not apply for franchise consolidation as required by the PUVMP have been unable to ply their routes since May began out of fear they will be apprehended.</p><p>They face a hefty P50,000 fine and getting their units impounded if caught.</p><p>The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board considers units not part of a transport cooperative as colorum, or illegal.</p><div><a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/business/2024/5/20/commuters-look-for-alternative-transportation-sans-jeepneys-1605">READ: Commuters look for alternative transportation sans jeepneys</a></div><p>According to the Batasan Police Station outside the Batasang Pambansa where the House of Representatives holds sessions, around 300 people from transport groups Manibela and PISTON, labor group Kilusang Mayo Uno and youth activist groups Anakbayan joined the protest.</p><p>A similar protest earlier this month led to a scuffle between jeepney drivers and operators and the police and to charges being filed against Manibela members.</p><p>Police set up a barricade at the South Gate of Batasang Pambansa but allowed protesters to gather along the sidewalk.</p><p>Protesters called on legislators to allow them to return to their livelihood despite their opting out of franchise consolidation and the PUVMP.</p><div><a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/5/11/qcpd-files-raps-vs-manibela-chair-2-others-over-protest-outside-house-1341">RELATED: QCPD files raps vs Manibela chair, 2 others over protest outside House</a></div><p>Manibela chairman Mar Valbuena reiterated that the group is not against the government’s plan for to modernize the transport system, but the program should be inclusive.</p><p>“Yong mga may gusto, hinahayaan natin. Pero ‘yong may ayaw, irespeto rin. Magmo-modernize kami, susunod kami sa programa ng gobyerno pero dapat makatuwiran, walang mapag-iiwanan. Lahat makakapaghanapbuhay pa rin,” Valbuena said.</p><p>(Those who want to consolidate, let them do it. But we should respect those who refuse. We will modernize, we will submit to the government program but it must be just. Nobody should be left behind. Everyone should still have a livelihood.)</p><p>The lower chamber’s Committee on Transportation is holding a hearing today on the PUVMP to tackle issues and concerns about the program.</p><div><a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/01/08/24/tesda-assistance-available-for-those-displaced-by-puv-modernization">READ: Tech-voc support available for those displaced by PUV modernization — TESDA</a></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO</strong></div><div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/X5cVW_fhmTY?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" width="640"></iframe></div>

<p>Police set up a barricade at the South Gate of Batasang Pambansa but allowed protesters to gather along the sidewalk.</p>

Police set up a barricade at the South Gate of Batasang Pambansa but allowed protesters to gather along the sidewalk.

Groups seek House help to get jeepneys back on road after PUVMP deadline | ABS-CBN

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Groups seek House help to get jeepneys back on road after PUVMP deadline

Groups seek House help to get jeepneys back on road after PUVMP deadline

Lady Vicencio,

ABS-CBN News

Published May 21, 2024 03:36 PM PHT

|

Updated May 21, 2024 03:56 PM PHT

Read More:

Jeepney modernization

Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program

Manibela

PISTON

Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board

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