Panay Today
ILOILO CITY – Around 120 traditional jeepneys and private vehicles participated in a transport caravan held on Monday, April 15, in Iloilo City to register their strong opposition to the government’s PUV Modernization Program.
Attended by traditional jeepney drivers, operators, and commuters, the caravan went around major roads in Iloilo City and ended in front of the Iloilo Provincial Capitol where a short program was held.
According to the No to PUV Phaseout Coalition – Western Visayas, they joined the nationwide strike to also oppose the Local Public Transport Route Plan (LPTRP) kag Provincial Public Transport Route Plan (PPTRP). The group added that both the LPTRP and PPTRP will railroad the implementation of the PUVMP in the country.
“According to LGU data, there are about 2,500 traditional PUJs in Iloilo City, if the LPTRP is fully implemented, only 1,732 modernized units will be able to travel. The same will happen in the entire Iloilo Province under the PPTRP. Hence, thousands will lose their jobs, while thousands will suffer under the corrupt cooperatives,” said the group.
The NTPPC – WV continues the call to junk the PUVMP and the mandatory consolidation as the April 30 deadline looms near./PT
