Valenzuela400 (talk | contribs) →Aftermath: Decision SC Tag: Disambiguation links added |
Update Tag: Visual edit |
||
(4 intermediate revisions by 4 users not shown) | |||
Line 9: | Line 9: | ||
| image_alt = No to jeepney phaseout mobilization, Quezon City, March 6, 2023 |
| image_alt = No to jeepney phaseout mobilization, Quezon City, March 6, 2023 |
||
| caption = Students of the [[University of the Philippines Diliman]] and other protesters express solidarity with the striking jeepney drivers, Quezon City, March 6, 2023 |
| caption = Students of the [[University of the Philippines Diliman]] and other protesters express solidarity with the striking jeepney drivers, Quezon City, March 6, 2023 |
||
| date = March 6, 2023 – present<br>({{Age in years, months, weeks and days|day1=14|month1=12|year1=2023|duration=yes}}) <!-- There should only be one starting point and one ending point |
|||
| date = |
|||
'''March strike'''<br>March 6–7, 2023<br>({{Age in years, months, weeks and days|day1=6|month1=3|year1=2023|day2=7|month2=3|year2=2023|duration=yes}})<br> '''October strike'''<br>October 16<br>({{Age in years, months, weeks and days|day1=16|month1=10|year1=2023|day2=|month2=|year2=|duration=yes}})<br>'''November strike'''<br>November 20–25<br>({{Age in years, months, weeks and days|day1=20|month1=11|year1=2023|day2=25|month2=11|year2=2023|duration=yes}}) |
'''March strike'''<br>March 6–7, 2023<br>({{Age in years, months, weeks and days|day1=6|month1=3|year1=2023|day2=7|month2=3|year2=2023|duration=yes}})<br> '''October strike'''<br>October 16<br>({{Age in years, months, weeks and days|day1=16|month1=10|year1=2023|day2=|month2=|year2=|duration=yes}})<br>'''November strike'''<br>November 20–25<br>({{Age in years, months, weeks and days|day1=20|month1=11|year1=2023|day2=25|month2=11|year2=2023|duration=yes}}) |
||
<br>'''December strike'''<br>December 14–'''present''' <br>({{Age in years, months, weeks and days|day1=14|month1=12|year1=2023|duration=yes}}) |
<br>'''December strike'''<br>December 14–'''present''' <br>({{Age in years, months, weeks and days|day1=14|month1=12|year1=2023|duration=yes}}) --> |
||
| status = |
| status = |
||
| causes = [[Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program|Government's plan]] to |
| causes = [[Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program|Government's plan]] to phase out [[jeepney]]s over 15 years old, directive for operators to form cooperatives |
||
| goals = |
| goals = |
||
| methods = [[Protest]], [[strike action]] |
| methods = [[Protest]], [[strike action]] |
||
Line 30: | Line 30: | ||
}} |
}} |
||
The '''2023-2024 transport strikes in the Philippines''' are a series of [[Strike action|strikes]] by operators of traditional public [[jeepney]]s and minivans held in various [[Cities in the Philippines|cities]] across the [[Philippines]] to protest against the [[Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program]].<ref name="BULATLATkickoff">{{Cite news |date=2023-03-06 |title=Jeepney drivers kick off transport strike vs. phaseout |language=en-US |work=Bulatlat |url=https://www.bulatlat.com/2023/03/06/jeepney-drivers-kick-off-transport-strike-vs-phaseout/ |access-date=2023-03-08}}</ref> |
The '''2023-2024 transport strikes in the Philippines''' are a series of [[Strike action|strikes]] by operators of traditional public [[jeepney]]s and minivans held in various [[Cities in the Philippines|cities]] across the [[Philippines]] to protest against the [[Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program]].<ref name="BULATLATkickoff">{{Cite news |date=2023-03-06 |title=Jeepney drivers kick off transport strike vs. phaseout |language=en-US |work=Bulatlat |url=https://www.bulatlat.com/2023/03/06/jeepney-drivers-kick-off-transport-strike-vs-phaseout/ |access-date=2023-03-08}}</ref> The strikes were held since March 2023. |
||
These strikes are a continuation of such protests that were held in [[2017-2019 transport strikes in the Philippines|2017–2019]]. |
|||
Strike organizers later revealed that the administration had agreed to delay the implementation of the program to December 31, 2023, and to use the intervening months to review all the aspects of the program implementation, taking the concerns of drivers and operators into account.<ref name="CNNPHendofstrike">{{Cite news |title=Transport groups end nationwide strike after dialogue with Palace |language=en |url=https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2023/3/8/Nationwide-transpo-strike-end.html |access-date=2023-03-08 |archive-date=March 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230308064442/https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2023/3/8/Nationwide-transpo-strike-end.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> |
|||
==Background== |
==Background== |
||
Line 46: | Line 46: | ||
The LTFRB on their part says they are not pressured, claiming that 90 percent of transport groups support the modernization program. The [[Metropolitan Manila Development Authority]] (MMDA) claims that eight groups will not participate: [[PISTON (transport group)|Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operators Nationwide]] (Piston), Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (Fejodap), [[UV Express]] group, Association of Concerned Transport Organizations (Acto), Pasang Masda, Liga ng Transportasyon at Operators sa Pilipinas (LTOP), Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (Altodap), and Northern Mindanao Federation of Transport Service Cooperative (Nomfedtrasco).<ref name=gulfnews/> Piston later decided to join.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Reyes |first=Dempsey |date=March 5, 2023 |title=Piston to join jeepney strike: Delaying phaseout not enough |language=en |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1738402/piston-to-join-jeepney-strike-delaying-phaseout-not-enough |access-date=March 6, 2023 |archive-date=March 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230305134513/https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1738402/piston-to-join-jeepney-strike-delaying-phaseout-not-enough |url-status=live }}</ref> |
The LTFRB on their part says they are not pressured, claiming that 90 percent of transport groups support the modernization program. The [[Metropolitan Manila Development Authority]] (MMDA) claims that eight groups will not participate: [[PISTON (transport group)|Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operators Nationwide]] (Piston), Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (Fejodap), [[UV Express]] group, Association of Concerned Transport Organizations (Acto), Pasang Masda, Liga ng Transportasyon at Operators sa Pilipinas (LTOP), Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (Altodap), and Northern Mindanao Federation of Transport Service Cooperative (Nomfedtrasco).<ref name=gulfnews/> Piston later decided to join.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Reyes |first=Dempsey |date=March 5, 2023 |title=Piston to join jeepney strike: Delaying phaseout not enough |language=en |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1738402/piston-to-join-jeepney-strike-delaying-phaseout-not-enough |access-date=March 6, 2023 |archive-date=March 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230305134513/https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1738402/piston-to-join-jeepney-strike-delaying-phaseout-not-enough |url-status=live }}</ref> |
||
⚫ | |||
===Locations=== |
===Locations=== |
||
Line 62: | Line 61: | ||
==Strikes== |
==Strikes== |
||
===March 6–7=== |
===March 6–7=== |
||
⚫ | |||
The [[Bagong Alyansang Makabayan]] was allowed to organize protests at [[Mendiola Street|Mendiola]], [[Manila]] in parallel and support of the transport strike by the Manila Police District.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://rmn.ph/ilang-mga-militanteng-grupo-pinayagang-magkilos-protesta-sa-mendiola-kasabay-ng-ikinakasang-transport-strike/ | title=Ilang mga militanteng grupo, pinayagang magkilos-protesta sa Mendiola kasabay ng ikinakasang transport strike - RMN Networks | newspaper=RMN Networks | date=March 6, 2023 | last1=Manila | first1=Radyoman }}</ref>[[File:Jeepneys on strike, Manila 2023 March.jpg|thumb|Jeepneys on strike, caravan to Mendiola.]]The government has downplayed the impact of the strike. The [[Metropolitan Manila Development Authority]] claims that the strike failed to paralyze commuters in [[Metro Manila]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://pia.gov.ph/news/2023/03/07/transport-strike-fails-to-paralyze-metro-manila-mmda | title=Transport strike fails to paralyze Metro Manila -MMDA | website=Philippine Information Agency | date=March 7, 2023 }}</ref> According to Piston, the majority of [[jeepneys]] and [[UV Express]] services along nine locales in Metro Manila and [[Calabarzon]] had ceased operations to participate in the strike.<ref name=paralyzesome/> |
The [[Bagong Alyansang Makabayan]] was allowed to organize protests at [[Mendiola Street|Mendiola]], [[Manila]] in parallel and support of the transport strike by the Manila Police District.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://rmn.ph/ilang-mga-militanteng-grupo-pinayagang-magkilos-protesta-sa-mendiola-kasabay-ng-ikinakasang-transport-strike/ | title=Ilang mga militanteng grupo, pinayagang magkilos-protesta sa Mendiola kasabay ng ikinakasang transport strike - RMN Networks | newspaper=RMN Networks | date=March 6, 2023 | last1=Manila | first1=Radyoman }}</ref>[[File:Jeepneys on strike, Manila 2023 March.jpg|thumb|Jeepneys on strike, caravan to Mendiola.]]The government has downplayed the impact of the strike. The [[Metropolitan Manila Development Authority]] claims that the strike failed to paralyze commuters in [[Metro Manila]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://pia.gov.ph/news/2023/03/07/transport-strike-fails-to-paralyze-metro-manila-mmda | title=Transport strike fails to paralyze Metro Manila -MMDA | website=Philippine Information Agency | date=March 7, 2023 }}</ref> According to Piston, the majority of [[jeepneys]] and [[UV Express]] services along nine locales in Metro Manila and [[Calabarzon]] had ceased operations to participate in the strike.<ref name=paralyzesome/> |
||
Line 88: | Line 88: | ||
===October 16=== |
===October 16=== |
||
Manibela |
Manibela held a nationwide transport strike on October 16. The group urged the government to take action on the alleged corruption of the LTFRB. About 240,000 traditional jeepney operators joined the strike.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Transport group to conduct nationwide transport strike starting October 16 |first=Luisa |last=Cabato |work=Inquirer |date=October 9, 2023 |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1843236/transport-group-to-conduct-nationwide-transport-strike-starting-october-16 |access-date=October 9, 2023}}</ref> |
||
=== November 20– |
=== November 20–24 === |
||
PISTON held a three-day transport trike set from November 20 to 22.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Yu|first=Lance Spencer|url=https://www.rappler.com/business/piston-transport-strike-november-20-2023/|title=PISTON to stage transport strike starting November 20|publisher=[[Rappler]]|date=November 19, 2023|access-date=November 20, 2023}}</ref> However, Manibela also held a similar but separate strike from November 22 to 24. At least 200,000 traditional jeepney operators joined the strike.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Manibela announces three-day strike from Nov. 22 to 24 |url=https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2023/11/21/manibela-transport-strike.html |access-date=November 21, 2023 |website=CNN Philippines |language=en |archive-date=November 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121103056/https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2023/11/21/manibela-transport-strike.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> |
|||
=== December |
=== December–January=== |
||
⚫ | |||
[[File:January 16 Jeepney Transport Strike.jpg|thumb|January 16 strike, barricading [[Welcome Rotonda]], Quezon City]] |
[[File:January 16 Jeepney Transport Strike.jpg|thumb|January 16 strike, barricading [[Welcome Rotonda]], Quezon City]] |
||
⚫ | On December 11, 2023, PISTON and its allies announced a two-day nationwide transport strike that will be held on December 14 and 15, 2023, to protest the December 31 deadline set by the LTFRB for transport franchise consolidation.<ref>{{Cite news|title=PISTON sets two-day transport strike on Dec. 14-15 |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/890953/piston-sets-two-day-transport-strike-on-dec-14-15/story |work=GMA News |date=December 11, 2023 |access-date=December 11, 2023}}</ref> A day later, PISTON also announced that the strike will continue, despite Bongbong Marcos' announcement that there will be no extension for franchise consolidation.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Legaspi|first=Zeus |title=Piston to continue December 14 transport strike despite BBM's 'no extension' order |url= https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1874235/piston-to-continue-december-14-strike-despite-bbms-no-extension-order |work=[[Philippine Daily Inquirer]] |date=December 12, 2023 |access-date=December 15, 2023}}</ref> The group claimed a 90% paralysis rate on major routes inside Metro Manila, and a paralysis rate of 85% on routes outside Metro Manila.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Relativo|first=James|title='90% paralysis' sa NCR nakamit sa unang araw ng PISTON tigil-pasada |url=https://www.philstar.com/pilipino-star-ngayon/bansa/2023/12/15/2319106/90-paralysis-sa-ncr-nakamit-sa-unang-araw-ng-piston-tigil-pasada/ |language=Filipino |work=[[Pilipino Star Ngayon]] |date=December 15, 2023 |access-date=December 15, 2023}}</ref> |
||
⚫ | On December 12, a pro-modernization group, United Transport Consolidated Entities of the Philippines, held a rally against transport strikes by PISTON and Manibela, opposition to the deadline extension, and to support the 2024 budget and PUVMP. At least 400 PUV operators and drivers have joined the rally.<ref>{{Cite web |title=400 PUV groups march in support of modernization program |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/891102/400-puv-groups-march-in-support-of-modernization-program/story/ |date=December 12, 2013|access-date=January 3, 2024 |website=GMA Integrated News|language=en}}</ref> |
||
⚫ | After the initial two-day strike led by PISTON, the group, together with Manibela, announced an extension of the transport strikes from December 18 to 29, a move precipitated by the LTFRB's signing of the memorandum circular 2023-051 which effectively bans unconsolidated PUVs to operate beyond December 31.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Relativo|first=James|title=Transport strike 'until New Year' set vs 2024 prohibition on unconsolidated jeepneys |url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/12/15/2319149/transport-strike-until-new-year-set-vs-2024-prohibition-unconsolidated-jeepneys/ |work=The Philippine Star |date=December 15, 2023 |access-date=December 15, 2023}}</ref> |
||
PISTON and Manibela held another strike on January 16 to persuade Bongbong Marcos to reinstate the franchises of drivers and operators of unconsolidated PUVs.<ref>{{Cite news|title=MANIBELA, PISTON to stage transport protest on Jan. 16 |first=Jiselle Anne C. |last=Casucian |work=GMA Integrated News |date=January 14, 2024 |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/894121/manibela-piston-to-stage-transport-protest-on-jan-16/story/ |access-date=April 27, 2024}}</ref> A week later, on January 24, Marcos extended the consolidation deadline to April 30, upon the recommendation of the DOTr.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Marcos moves jeepney consolidation deadline to April 30 |date=January 24, 2024 |work=Rappler |first=Dwight |last=De Leon |url=https://www.rappler.com/philippines/marcos-jr-extends-puv-consolidation-deadline-april-30-2024/ |access-date=April 27, 2024}}</ref> |
|||
=== December 14–January=== |
|||
⚫ | On December 11, 2023, PISTON and its allies announced a two-day nationwide transport strike that will be held on December 14 and 15, 2023 |
||
⚫ | On February 7, 2024, Manibela protested in front of the [[Ombudsman of the Philippines]] and sued several members of DOTr, LTFRB, the [[Office of Transportation Cooperatives]] (OTC), and the [[Solicitor General of the Philippines|Office of the Solicitor General]]. Manibela claims that the members in question were violating Section 3, Paragraph (e) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (Republic Act No. 3019) and Section 4 of the Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (RA No. 6713).<ref>{{Cite news |last=Cabato |first=Luisa |date=February 7, 2024 |title=Manibela files complaints vs gov’t agencies over PUV modernization |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1900869/manibela-files-complaints-vs-govt-agencies-over-puv-modernization |access-date=February 13, 2024 |work=The Philippine Star}}</ref> |
||
⚫ | After the initial two-day strike led by PISTON, the group, together with Manibela, announced an extension of the transport strikes |
||
=== |
=== April–May === |
||
PISTON and Manibela held a transport strike from April 15 to 16.<ref>{{Cite news|title=PISTON, Manibela launch transport strike as consolidation deadline nears |first=Lance Spencer |last=Yu |date=April 15, 2024 |url=https://www.rappler.com/business/piston-manibela-launch-transport-strike-april-15-2024/ |work=Rappler |access-date=April 27, 2024}}</ref> PISTON held another strike from April 29 to May 1, [[International Workers' Day#Philippines|Labor Day]].<ref>{{Cite news|title=PISTON to hold nationwide transport strike from April 29 to May 1 |
|||
⚫ | On |
||
|first=Michelle |last=Abad |date=April 27, 2024 |url=https://www.rappler.com/business/piston-transport-strike-april-29-may-1-2024/ |work=Rappler |access-date=April 27, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Ratcliffe |first=Rebecca |date=2024-04-29 |title=Jeepney strike under way in Philippines as deadline to modernise nears |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/29/jeepney-strike-philippines |access-date=2024-05-17 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> |
|||
==Response== |
==Response== |
||
Line 115: | Line 119: | ||
==Aftermath== |
==Aftermath== |
||
Following a meeting with the [[Presidential Communications Office]] at [[Malacañang Palace]] on March 7, PISTON and Manibela declared an end to the strike. They announced the resumption of regular operations for its drivers starting the following day. The strike ended five days than the originally planned date of March 12.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Locus |first1=Sundy |title=Transport strike ends after PISTON, Manibela meeting in Palace |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/863130/transport-strike-ends-after-piston-manibela-meeting-in-palace/story/ |access-date=7 March 2023 |work=GMA News |date=7 March 2023 |language=en |archive-date=March 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307224449/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/863130/transport-strike-ends-after-piston-manibela-meeting-in-palace/story/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
Following a meeting with the [[Presidential Communications Office]] at [[Malacañang Palace]] on March 7, PISTON and Manibela declared an end to the initial strike. They announced the resumption of regular operations for its drivers starting the following day. The initial strike ended five days than the originally planned date of March 12.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Locus |first1=Sundy |title=Transport strike ends after PISTON, Manibela meeting in Palace |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/863130/transport-strike-ends-after-piston-manibela-meeting-in-palace/story/ |access-date=7 March 2023 |work=GMA News |date=7 March 2023 |language=en |archive-date=March 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307224449/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/863130/transport-strike-ends-after-piston-manibela-meeting-in-palace/story/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
||
Manibela chairperson Mar Valbuena later revealed on the evening of March 7 that the administration had agreed to delay the implementation of the program to December 31, 2023, and to use the intervening months to review all the aspects of the program implementation, taking the concerns of drivers, operators, and other stakeholders into account.<ref |
Manibela chairperson Mar Valbuena later revealed on the evening of March 7 that the administration had agreed to delay the implementation of the program to December 31, 2023, and to use the intervening months to review all the aspects of the program implementation, taking the concerns of drivers, operators, and other stakeholders into account.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Transport groups end nationwide strike after dialogue with Palace |language=en |url=https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2023/3/8/Nationwide-transpo-strike-end.html |access-date=2023-03-08 |archive-date=March 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230308064442/https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2023/3/8/Nationwide-transpo-strike-end.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> |
||
The [[Supreme Court of the Philippines]] in a 20-page [[decision]] dated July 11, 2023, but promulgated on March 4, 2024, dismissed Bayyo Association Inc. and transport groups petition to nullify the [[Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program]] provisions that compel jeepney drivers and operators to replace their traditional units with modern ones. The ponente [[Maria Filomena Singh]] ruled: “In view of the petitioners' lack of legal standing and their disregard of the doctrine of hierarchy of courts, the Court will not delve into the merits of the substantive arguments raised.” It however did not rule on the constitutionality of paragraph 5.2 of DoTr Order No. 2017-011 which mandates transport cooperatives to “modernize” and replace their old units with “brand new and environmentally-friendly units.”<ref>{{cite news |last1=Laqui |first1=Ian |title=SC junks petition vs PUVMP order due to procedural issues|url= https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/03/06/2338482/sc-junks-petition-vs-puvmp-order-due-procedural-issues|accessdate=March 6, 2024 |publisher= [[The Philippine Star]]|date=March 6, 2024}}</ref> |
The [[Supreme Court of the Philippines]] in a 20-page [[Judgment (law)|decision]] dated July 11, 2023, but promulgated on March 4, 2024, dismissed Bayyo Association Inc. and transport groups petition to nullify the [[Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program]] provisions that compel jeepney drivers and operators to replace their traditional units with modern ones. The ponente [[Maria Filomena Singh]] ruled: “In view of the petitioners' lack of legal standing and their disregard of the doctrine of hierarchy of courts, the Court will not delve into the merits of the substantive arguments raised.” It however did not rule on the constitutionality of paragraph 5.2 of DoTr Order No. 2017-011 which mandates transport cooperatives to “modernize” and replace their old units with “brand new and environmentally-friendly units.”<ref>{{cite news |last1=Laqui |first1=Ian |title=SC junks petition vs PUVMP order due to procedural issues|url= https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/03/06/2338482/sc-junks-petition-vs-puvmp-order-due-procedural-issues|accessdate=March 6, 2024 |publisher= [[The Philippine Star]]|date=March 6, 2024}}</ref> |
||
==See also== |
==See also== |
||
Line 137: | Line 141: | ||
[[Category:Bongbong Marcos administration controversies]] |
[[Category:Bongbong Marcos administration controversies]] |
||
[[Category:Jeepneys]] |
[[Category:Jeepneys]] |
||
[[Category:2024 labor disputes and strikes]] |
Revision as of 05:14, 17 May 2024
2023-2024 transport strikes in the Philippines | |||
---|---|---|---|
Part of protests against the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program and Bongbong Marcos | |||
Date | March 6, 2023 – present (6 months and 1 day) | ||
Location | |||
Caused by | Government's plan to phase out jeepneys over 15 years old, directive for operators to form cooperatives | ||
Methods | Protest, strike action | ||
Parties | |||
| |||
Lead figures | |||
|
The 2023-2024 transport strikes in the Philippines are a series of strikes by operators of traditional public jeepneys and minivans held in various cities across the Philippines to protest against the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program.[1] The strikes were held since March 2023.
These strikes are a continuation of such protests that were held in 2017–2019.
Background
Organizers of the strike are protesting against the Philippine government's Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program, which intends to phase out dilapidated and old or traditional jeepneys and utility vans meant for public transport. Traditional jeepneys are a legacy of World War II, with designs not changing much apart from the addition of secondhand engines from Japanese manufacturers. There was no mandatory retirement age for commercial vehicles in the Philippines.[2][3]
The modernization program was launched in 2017 and is mainly implemented by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB). It is aimed to replace public utility vehicles (PUVs), including jeepneys and buses that are at least 15 years old with newer models that are more eco-friendly within the next three years. Though reportedly in practice, this covered all traditional jeepneys.[3]
The strike organizers' main goal is to have the government increase the subsidy of ₱200,000 to enable them to purchase new utility vehicles. The government also has urged operators to form cooperatives for them to have a better borrowing capacity but critics said that this is still insufficient.[3] This proposal was made through LTFRB's memorandum circular 2023-013, which also suspends provisional authority for operators who fail to comply.[4]
Participants
The strike is led by Manibela, a group of public transport group that claims to represent 40,000 drivers. They are aiming to halt the planned phaseout of PUVs originally set on June 30, 2023.[3] They are joined by the United Transport Federation[5] and Laban TNVS (under the No to PUV Phaseout Coalition),[6] and are supported by commuter group PARA - Advocates for Inclusive Transport.[7]
The LTFRB on their part says they are not pressured, claiming that 90 percent of transport groups support the modernization program. The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) claims that eight groups will not participate: Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operators Nationwide (Piston), Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (Fejodap), UV Express group, Association of Concerned Transport Organizations (Acto), Pasang Masda, Liga ng Transportasyon at Operators sa Pilipinas (LTOP), Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (Altodap), and Northern Mindanao Federation of Transport Service Cooperative (Nomfedtrasco).[3] Piston later decided to join.[8]
Locations
Goals
Organizers urged for the cancellation of LTFRB Memorandum Circular No. 2023-013, which mandates operators to join a cooperative before they could engage with the LTFRB for dialogue.[4]
The protesters contend that franchise consolidation and the requirement to join cooperatives will raise transport costs and force thousands of drivers and operators out of their jobs.[9] Transport and consumer groups argued in a petition to the Philippine Supreme Court that the requirement undermines property rights, unjustly singles out jeepneys, coerces them to join a group and impinges on their constitutional right to free association, and forces drivers to lose their small enterprises.[9][10]
Strikes
March 6–7
The Bagong Alyansang Makabayan was allowed to organize protests at Mendiola, Manila in parallel and support of the transport strike by the Manila Police District.[11]
The government has downplayed the impact of the strike. The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority claims that the strike failed to paralyze commuters in Metro Manila.[12] According to Piston, the majority of jeepneys and UV Express services along nine locales in Metro Manila and Calabarzon had ceased operations to participate in the strike.[13]
Affected inter routes include:
- Routes between the city of Antipolo and municipality of Taytay
- Routes between Cogeo in the city of Antipolo and Cubao in Quezon City
- Routes between Novaliches in Quezon City, and Blumentritt Road in Santa Cruz, Manila
- Routes between Pala-pala Road in Dasmariñas and the city of Imus
- Routes between the municipality of Los Baños and the city of Calamba
Affected intra routes include:
However, according to the LTFRB, only 10 percent of routes in Metro Manila and 5 percent of routes nationwide were affected by the strike, asserting that these gaps were addressed by the free rides provided by the government.[13][14]
Although Manibela and Piston considered the first day of the strike as a success because a lot of would-be commuters, including students who attended classes which were held online in anticipation of the protest action, decided to not go out to the streets,[15] Manibela and Piston continued their strike on March 7, vowing to continue until the modernization program is completely put to a halt.[16]
July 24
Manibela was originally slated to hold a three-day strike from July 24 to 26, with the first day coinciding with the second State of the Nation Address of President Bongbong Marcos.[17] However, in light of the heavy rains and Typhoon Doksuri (Egay), Manibela suspended the strike, citing the commuters' call for adequate transportation.[18]
October 16
Manibela held a nationwide transport strike on October 16. The group urged the government to take action on the alleged corruption of the LTFRB. About 240,000 traditional jeepney operators joined the strike.[19]
November 20–24
PISTON held a three-day transport trike set from November 20 to 22.[20] However, Manibela also held a similar but separate strike from November 22 to 24. At least 200,000 traditional jeepney operators joined the strike.[21]
December–January
On December 11, 2023, PISTON and its allies announced a two-day nationwide transport strike that will be held on December 14 and 15, 2023, to protest the December 31 deadline set by the LTFRB for transport franchise consolidation.[22] A day later, PISTON also announced that the strike will continue, despite Bongbong Marcos' announcement that there will be no extension for franchise consolidation.[23] The group claimed a 90% paralysis rate on major routes inside Metro Manila, and a paralysis rate of 85% on routes outside Metro Manila.[24]
On December 12, a pro-modernization group, United Transport Consolidated Entities of the Philippines, held a rally against transport strikes by PISTON and Manibela, opposition to the deadline extension, and to support the 2024 budget and PUVMP. At least 400 PUV operators and drivers have joined the rally.[25]
After the initial two-day strike led by PISTON, the group, together with Manibela, announced an extension of the transport strikes from December 18 to 29, a move precipitated by the LTFRB's signing of the memorandum circular 2023-051 which effectively bans unconsolidated PUVs to operate beyond December 31.[26]
PISTON and Manibela held another strike on January 16 to persuade Bongbong Marcos to reinstate the franchises of drivers and operators of unconsolidated PUVs.[27] A week later, on January 24, Marcos extended the consolidation deadline to April 30, upon the recommendation of the DOTr.[28]
On February 7, 2024, Manibela protested in front of the Ombudsman of the Philippines and sued several members of DOTr, LTFRB, the Office of Transportation Cooperatives (OTC), and the Office of the Solicitor General. Manibela claims that the members in question were violating Section 3, Paragraph (e) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (Republic Act No. 3019) and Section 4 of the Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (RA No. 6713).[29]
April–May
PISTON and Manibela held a transport strike from April 15 to 16.[30] PISTON held another strike from April 29 to May 1, Labor Day.[31][32]
Response
National government
President Bongbong Marcos urged transport groups to reconsider the March 2023 strikes, appealing to their potential impact on commuters. He said that the modernization program is a must but expressed apprehension about the program's immediate implementation. He acknowledged the need to engage in dialogue to tweak the program's implementation to reduce the financial burden of the operators. He has proposed alternatives to its implementation such as allowing old utility vehicles that pass an inspection to continue operating.[33] The LTFRB would move the deadline of phaseout from June 30, 2023, to December 31, 2023.[34]
The Department of Education (DepEd) announced that there would be no suspension of classes during the March 2023 strikes but said that those who are not able to attend physically should be allowed to "continue to learn through Alternative Delivery Modes". Select universities in Metro Manila have announced a shift to online classes for the duration of the strike.[35] However, on July 24, which was supposed to be the first day of the second strike, President Marcos suspended classes in public schools and government work due to the strike as well as inclement weather caused by Typhoon Doksuri (Egay).[36]
Local governments
All mayors of localities of Metro Manila and the MMDA have pledged to provide free rides to commuters who would be affected by the March 2023 strike.[37]
Aftermath
Following a meeting with the Presidential Communications Office at Malacañang Palace on March 7, PISTON and Manibela declared an end to the initial strike. They announced the resumption of regular operations for its drivers starting the following day. The initial strike ended five days than the originally planned date of March 12.[38]
Manibela chairperson Mar Valbuena later revealed on the evening of March 7 that the administration had agreed to delay the implementation of the program to December 31, 2023, and to use the intervening months to review all the aspects of the program implementation, taking the concerns of drivers, operators, and other stakeholders into account.[39]
The Supreme Court of the Philippines in a 20-page decision dated July 11, 2023, but promulgated on March 4, 2024, dismissed Bayyo Association Inc. and transport groups petition to nullify the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program provisions that compel jeepney drivers and operators to replace their traditional units with modern ones. The ponente Maria Filomena Singh ruled: “In view of the petitioners' lack of legal standing and their disregard of the doctrine of hierarchy of courts, the Court will not delve into the merits of the substantive arguments raised.” It however did not rule on the constitutionality of paragraph 5.2 of DoTr Order No. 2017-011 which mandates transport cooperatives to “modernize” and replace their old units with “brand new and environmentally-friendly units.”[40]
See also
References
- ^ "Jeepney drivers kick off transport strike vs. phaseout". Bulatlat. March 6, 2023. Retrieved March 8, 2023.
- ^ a b c d e f Baroña, Franco Jose (March 3, 2023). "Transport strike to push through". The Manila Times. Archived from the original on March 4, 2023. Retrieved March 4, 2023.
- ^ a b c d e Hilotin, Jay (March 3, 2023). "Philippines: Why 'jeepney' drivers declared a weeklong strike". Gulf News. Archived from the original on March 4, 2023. Retrieved March 4, 2023.
- ^ a b "Scrap LTFRB memo and we'll talk, group says amid planned weeklong transpo strike". Manila Bulletin. March 3, 2023. Archived from the original on March 4, 2023. Retrieved March 4, 2023.
- ^ Tamayo, Bernadette (March 2, 2023). "Transport strike to affect 300K commuters in Metro Manila". The Manila Times. Archived from the original on March 4, 2023. Retrieved March 4, 2023.
- ^ Relativo, James (March 4, 2023). "Marcos urged: Issue EO vs jeepney, UV Express phaseout now". Philippine Star. Retrieved March 8, 2023.
- ^ Relativo, James. "Commuter group stands with March 6 transport strike vs PUV phaseout". The Philippine Star. Archived from the original on March 4, 2023. Retrieved March 4, 2023.
- ^ Reyes, Dempsey (March 5, 2023). "Piston to join jeepney strike: Delaying phaseout not enough". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on March 5, 2023. Retrieved March 6, 2023.
- ^ a b "Fears of losing livelihoods mount as Manila's jeepney drivers protest phase-out of iconic vehicles". CNA. December 28, 2023. Retrieved January 4, 2024.
- ^ Palatino, Mong (January 2, 2024). "Filipino Jeepney Drivers Make Last Stand". The Diplomat. Retrieved January 4, 2024.
- ^ Manila, Radyoman (March 6, 2023). "Ilang mga militanteng grupo, pinayagang magkilos-protesta sa Mendiola kasabay ng ikinakasang transport strike - RMN Networks". RMN Networks.
- ^ "Transport strike fails to paralyze Metro Manila -MMDA". Philippine Information Agency. March 7, 2023.
- ^ a b "PISTON: Transport strike paralyzes some jeepney routes in Metro Manila". The Philippine STAR.
- ^ Dela Cruz, Raymond Carl (March 7, 2023). "Jeepney ops in NCR back to normal on 2nd day of strike". Philippine News Agency.
- ^ "Organizer of transport strike claims success; MMDA disagrees". March 8, 2023.
- ^ "Transport groups push through with Day 2 of week-long strike vs. PUV modernization". March 7, 2023.
- ^ Sarao, Zacarian (July 18, 2023). "Major transpo groups not joining strike on July 24; LTFRB to impose sanctions". Inquirer. Retrieved October 9, 2023.
- ^ "Manibela temporarily suspends strike, cites commuters' call for transport amid heavy rains". CNN Philippines. July 24, 2023. Archived from the original on October 13, 2023. Retrieved October 9, 2023.
- ^ Cabato, Luisa (October 9, 2023). "Transport group to conduct nationwide transport strike starting October 16". Inquirer. Retrieved October 9, 2023.
- ^ Yu, Lance Spencer (November 19, 2023). "PISTON to stage transport strike starting November 20". Rappler. Retrieved November 20, 2023.
- ^ "Manibela announces three-day strike from Nov. 22 to 24". CNN Philippines. Archived from the original on November 21, 2023. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
- ^ "PISTON sets two-day transport strike on Dec. 14-15". GMA News. December 11, 2023. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
- ^ Legaspi, Zeus (December 12, 2023). "Piston to continue December 14 transport strike despite BBM's 'no extension' order". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
- ^ Relativo, James (December 15, 2023). "'90% paralysis' sa NCR nakamit sa unang araw ng PISTON tigil-pasada". Pilipino Star Ngayon (in Filipino). Retrieved December 15, 2023.
- ^ "400 PUV groups march in support of modernization program". GMA Integrated News. December 12, 2013. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
- ^ Relativo, James (December 15, 2023). "Transport strike 'until New Year' set vs 2024 prohibition on unconsolidated jeepneys". The Philippine Star. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
- ^ Casucian, Jiselle Anne C. (January 14, 2024). "MANIBELA, PISTON to stage transport protest on Jan. 16". GMA Integrated News. Retrieved April 27, 2024.
- ^ De Leon, Dwight (January 24, 2024). "Marcos moves jeepney consolidation deadline to April 30". Rappler. Retrieved April 27, 2024.
- ^ Cabato, Luisa (February 7, 2024). "Manibela files complaints vs gov't agencies over PUV modernization". The Philippine Star. Retrieved February 13, 2024.
- ^ Yu, Lance Spencer (April 15, 2024). "PISTON, Manibela launch transport strike as consolidation deadline nears". Rappler. Retrieved April 27, 2024.
- ^ Abad, Michelle (April 27, 2024). "PISTON to hold nationwide transport strike from April 29 to May 1". Rappler. Retrieved April 27, 2024.
- ^ Ratcliffe, Rebecca (April 29, 2024). "Jeepney strike under way in Philippines as deadline to modernise nears". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved May 17, 2024.
- ^ Galvez, Daphne (March 1, 2023). "Marcos Jr. asks transport groups to rethink planned week-long strike". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on March 4, 2023. Retrieved March 4, 2023.z
- ^ Recuenco, Aaron (March 1, 2023). "LTFRB blinks, extends deadline of PUV modernization consolidation to Dec. 31". Manila Bulletin. Archived from the original on March 4, 2023. Retrieved March 4, 2023.
- ^ "DepEd: No suspension of classes due to transport strike". The Philippine Star. March 3, 2023. Archived from the original on March 4, 2023. Retrieved March 4, 2023.
- ^ Cordero, Ted (July 22, 2023). "Marcos suspends classes, gov't work in NCR on July 24 due to Egay, transport strike". GMA Integrated News. Retrieved October 9, 2023.
- ^ Flores, Helen (March 4, 2023). "Free rides to be provided during strike". The Philippine Star. Archived from the original on March 4, 2023. Retrieved March 4, 2023.
- ^ Locus, Sundy (March 7, 2023). "Transport strike ends after PISTON, Manibela meeting in Palace". GMA News. Archived from the original on March 7, 2023. Retrieved March 7, 2023.
- ^ "Transport groups end nationwide strike after dialogue with Palace". Archived from the original on March 8, 2023. Retrieved March 8, 2023.
- ^ Laqui, Ian (March 6, 2024). "SC junks petition vs PUVMP order due to procedural issues". The Philippine Star. Retrieved March 6, 2024.