Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) For the second time this month, jeepney operators and drivers hold a nationwide transport strike and commuters are feeling the crunch. <\/p>\n
The members of transport groups PISTON, Stop and Go Coalition, and No to Jeepney Phase-out Coalition are expected to gather at the Bonifacio Monument in Caloocan City to kick off today's nationwide transport strike. <\/p>\n
According PISTON President George San Mateo, this jeepney strike is not only happening in Metro Manila, but in over 20 cities and municipalities across the country. <\/p>\n
San Mateo said this is their response to the government's inaction to their plea to scrap the current version of the jeepney modernization program of the government - which they believe is a phase-out. <\/p>\n
The same groups also organized a similar nationwide transport strike last February 6. <\/p>\n
The previous transport strike was resolved when officials of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) called for a dialogue which was attended by the transport leaders. <\/p>\n
However, transport groups were unsatisfied with the results of the dialogue, and on the same day declared their intention to organize a much bigger strike the one happening today. <\/p>\n
San Mateo apologized to all affected commuters, but threatened if the government continues to be dismissive of their pleas, their groups will organize regular monthly strikes like this. <\/p>\n
The jeepney groups are against the provision of the Transportation Department's order that will disallow jeepney models that are 16 years and older from plying their routes. <\/p>\n
San Mateo said if they disallow these jeepney models, the government is actually phasing them out. He called this move a clear oppression of small jeepney operators and drivers, which will ultimately deprive them of their livelihood. <\/p>\n
Apart from jeepneys, this modernization program also affects other types of public utility vehicles like buses and vans. <\/p>\n
Commuters in several parts of the Metro are feeling the effects of the strike this early in the day. <\/p>\n
There are fewer jeepneys arriving in Philcoa, along Commonwealth Avenue as of six in the morning. <\/p>\n
The jeepneys passing along the area are mostly full. <\/p>\n
Passengers say that their Monday commutes are usually difficult, but it's made worse today because of the striking jeepney drivers. <\/p>\n
The members of PISTON from Quezon City came here as early as 2 a.m., to express their grievances. <\/p>\n
This group will be converging with other PISTON members all over Metro Manila in Mendiola before lunch time today. <\/p>\n
The police and personnel from the MMDA have positioned themselves in the area ready to assist the commuters. <\/p>\n
In Monumento, the number of jeepneys ferrying commuters is growing smaller as the day progresses. <\/p>\n
Some passengers here have been walking around, chasing available jeepneys. Others have been waiting for over 30 minutes hoping to get a ride. <\/p>\n
Sonny Magalang, a commuter, said, \"Lalo na mamayang ala-sais, agawan na 'yan tapos hindi na sila magpi-pick up... Inagahan ko para makapasok, pero hanggang ngayon hindi pa rin ako nakakasakay.\" <\/p>\n
[Translation: Come 6 a.m., it will be difficult to get a ride. People will jostle each other to get a ride, but then jeepneys won't pick up passengers anymore... I got up early to go to work, but I haven't been cable to catch a ride up to now.] <\/p>\n
The LTFRB and the Metro Manila Development Authority have pre-positioned government vehicles to offer free rides. <\/p>\n
The LTFRB has also commissioned some buses to ferry commuters for minimal fees. <\/p>\n
Some MMDA personnel and members of the police are also assisting passengers. <\/p>\n
Class and work suspensions in several areas nationwide were declared on Sunday to ease the burden on commuters. <\/p>\n
READ: #WalangPasok: Class and work suspensions for Feb. 27 due to transport strike <\/p>\n
CNN Philippines correspondent Yumi Lugod contributed to this report. <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The rest is here: <\/p>\n
Transport groups hold nationwide transport strike to protest government's PUV modernization program - CNN Philippines<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) For the second time this month, jeepney operators and drivers hold a nationwide transport strike and commuters are feeling the crunch. The members of transport groups PISTON, Stop and Go Coalition, and No to Jeepney Phase-out Coalition are expected to gather at the Bonifacio Monument in Caloocan City to kick off today's nationwide transport strike Continue reading