A transport strike launched yesterday by jeepney operators and drivers’ groups in Bacolod City, failed to disrupt the operations of business establishments and schools.
The protestors, mainly members of the Bacolod Alliance of Commuters, Operators and Drivers (BACOD) Inc., and Negros Bacolod Transport Coalition (NBTC), gathered in front of the Bacolod City Government Center grounds Monday morning to air their sentiments on what they consider as anti-driver and anti-small operator policies.
The groups opposed the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) and the city’s Local Public Transport Route Plan (LPTRP).
In a press conference, Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez said he tasked Councilor Al Victor Espino, chairman of the City Council’s committee on transportation and traffic, to meet with the protestors since the issues being raised are under his committee.
“The other transport groups no longer join them because the issues they raised were already answered before,” he added.
Benitez said the LPTRP ordinance is now under review to determine the number of modern jeepneys needed to address the public transport needs of the city.
Espino said the efforts of the protestors were misdirected as their concerns should have been brought up to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
BACOD Inc. president Rudy Catedral said they are satisfied with the outcome of their dialogue with Espino, who assured them that he will address their concern regarding the issuance of provisional authority for traditional jeepneys with expired franchises.
“We believe him since he said it in front of the media, that he will go to the LTFRB,” he added.
The Bacolod City Police Office said the protest, where 70 individuals in 30 traditional jeepneys participated, ended past 11 a.m., and the drivers eventually resumed operations.
“The transport strike was generally peaceful. No untoward incident happened,” it added.*PNA
