Dennis Gasgonia

Article (news)

Mon Rodelas

ABS-CBN News

MANILA -- Transport and migrant groups staged a protest at the Department of Transportation in San Juan on Wednesday, calling on the Marcos administration to suspend the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program, which they say is forcing many jeepney drivers and operators out of their livelihood. Mody Floranda, Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON) national president, lamented that drivers have been barred from renewing registrations for nearly a decade, preventing many from working. He also criticized the DOTr and the government for allegedly failing to present any clear plan despite years of review. “Marami nang nagpalit-palit na mga secretary ng DOTr pero ang nagiging tugon ay lagi’t laging pinag-aaralan ‘yung programa ng PUVMP… Dapat payagan tayo na makapag-renew at makapagrehistro para tuluy-tuloy tayo na makapagserbisyo sa ating mga mamamayan,” said Floranda. “Noon nagpapalit ng secretary, nagpapalit ng chairman, at nagpapalit din ng direktor ng mga rehiyon, na pinaglalaruan ‘yung ating karapatan at kabuhayan. Kaya sa loob ng sampung taon ay hindi na nakakatuwa,” he added. <div><a class="fr-green" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/10/29/dotr-conducts-random-drug-tests-on-bus-drivers-ahead-of-undas-1639">DOTr conducts random drug tests on bus drivers ahead of Undas</a></div>He also questioned the alleged government bias toward foreign vehicle manufacturers, saying around P33 billion was allotted for modernization, but about P12 billion each reportedly went to two major foreign carmakers instead of supporting local body builders. Floranda further alleged that the PUVMP primarily benefits large corporations seeking to control public transportation. “Kitang-kita natin na ang layunin ng programang ito ay hindi para ayusin ‘yung ating public transport kundi maging malaking business ng malalaking korporasyon at malalaking mga kapitalista’t negosyante,” said Floranda. He cited reports of corruption raised in congressional hearings and pointed out that former and current officials previously admitted the program still needed major revisions, yet continued to push for its implementation. He warned that the program could eventually wipe out small operators and drivers from the sector, making commuters more vulnerable amid service disruptions and higher costs. “Kita natin na talagang ang programang ito ay pag-washout sa karapatan at kabuhayan ng mga drayber at operator sa usapin ng maayos na serbisyo,” he added. <div><a class="fr-green" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/business/2025/10/28/ph-ports-authority-expects-more-passengers-during-undas-2025-1438">PH Ports Authority expects more passengers during Undas 2025</a></div>Meanwhile, Sandigan Migrante Vice Chairperson Rechilda Desunia also criticized government moves to privatize public services, including NAIA operations, saying it places added burdens on overseas Filipino workers. “Kami pong mga OFW ay malaki pong kawalan ito sa amin dahil kakarampot na nga lang po ‘yung sinasahod namin ay mapupunta pa po ito sa mga bayarin,” Desunia expressed. She said OFWs already contribute P38 billion annually in remittances, with P15 billion reportedly going to government earnings from NAIA alone. She cited rising terminal fees and warned that privatization would primarily enrich private concessionaires. Migrante, she added, wants the Supreme Court to overturn the award of the NAIA contract to businessman Ramon Ang. “Sa amin po ay hindi talaga namin ito pinapayagan na magkaroon po ng privatization. Ang nais po namin ay baliktarin ng Supreme Court ang desisyon na mapunta po ito kay Ramon Ang dahil siya lamang po ang kikita dito,” she said. “Tayong mga Pilipino, karapatan natin na bawiin kung ano ang para sa atin. Pag-aari po ito ng gobyerno natin, hindi para sa mga pribado,” Desunia said, adding that Filipinos must defend public assets from privatization. Desunia also opposed the jeepney phaseout, saying many OFWs invested in jeepneys to support their families, and losing them would mean further job losses.

Transport and migrant groups staged a protest at the Department of Transportation in San Juan on Wednesday, calling on the Marcos administration to suspend the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program, which they say is forcing many jeepney drivers and operators out of their livelihood.

Transport and migrant groups staged a protest at the Department of Transportation in San Juan on Wednesday, calling on the Marcos administration to suspend the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program, which they say is forcing many jeepney drivers and operators out of their livelihood.

Transport, migrant, and consumer groups storm DOTr to oppose public transport privatization

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Transport, migrant, and consumer groups storm DOTr to oppose public transport privatization

Mon Rodelas,

ABS-CBN News

Published Oct 29, 2025 09:46 PM PHT

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DOTr

PISTON

protest

public transportation

privatization

corporatization

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