This note expresses support for the struggling Jeepney drivers and operators in its recent transport strike.
For contrary to the establishment's view that the transport strike as a "painful interference in the efforts to provide solutions to the problems" the solutions such as forced consolidation and buying overpriced "modern jeepneys"- vehicles that could cost up to P2.8 million each doesn't offset the transportation crisis. The fact that only large corporations with single consolidated franchises have the financial means to purchase and fully comply with the current PUV Modernisation Program (PUVMP) schemes actually aggravates the situation, as it robs operators of their rights and privileges as individual franchise holders. To make matters worse, supporters of so-called "modernisation" constantly harp on about the environment, traffic congestion, and even aesthetics.
And, despite the establishment's efforts to downplay the situation, this and the coming year's action shows that the plan to phase out using terms like "consolidation", "modernisation", or even the use of "cooperatives" as alibis affects not only the drivers, operators, and assemblers, but also the general public, especially since the deadline imposed to consolidate under the modernization program will only worsen the country's crisis. Who's bullshit to agree that idea other than the profiteers and self-proclaimed "edgy" individuals? Yes, the lives of millions of commuters, drivers, operators, and their families are in the hands of an order that prioritizes its own interests.
True enough that the mass transport system is in serious need of modernisation, but should it be at the expense of the drivers and operators themselves? It's easier to talk about the need for sacrifice yet the fact that these folks worked hard only for a measly income faced a situation that's contrary to their aspiration for a better life then what kind of "modernisation" the establishment is talking about? Forcing them, mostly having an income that can't reach some hundred thousands to buy a "modern" jeepney that costs a million from an importer? What more to see "modern" jeepneys deteriorating after several months or a year? And in speaking of "cooperatives" how come there are bigwigs able to gain rights for PUV franchise at the expense of smalltime operators? Again is this the consolidation and modernisation being talked about?
Still, "Political" no matter what
For sure there are those who will cry out loud for seeing the situation as becoming political than an issue based matter, but they forgot that these folks had to plea on politicians first to stop that forced consolidation and address first the issues surrounding that modernisation attempt, but entrenched interests would try to muddle down the thought that the calls from these affected sectors are itself political.
Furthermore, despite the establishment's attempts to minimize the situation, it doesn't hide the fact that the phase out cannot resolve the problem of mass transport. Who's got to buy an expensive "modern jeepney" that's a refurbished bus or multicab from China? It costs higher than those assembled at home with the better if not the best quality required possible. Yes, it is political no matter what apologists trying to downplay, calling protesters destabilisers or terrorists if they want, for the fact that the protest actions taken this year and in the upcoming year shows that the plan to phase out really affects all people, not just drivers, operators, and even assemblers willing to offer sound and inclusive alternatives to that goddamned "modernisation".
Again, call it Politically-laced their calls and actions, but given that the country's crisis the attempt to downplay alongside this sham "development to modernise public transport" will only get worse especially with the inconsiderable and unjustly imposed deadline for consolidating under the modernization program nor intentionally failing to heed the woes of affected sectors. Most legislators chose to be "yes-men" of the administration that's feigning ignorant, if not pretending to be concerned as one legislator would say "the need for a just transition" while "cannot just ignore the sacrifice of the majority of the public transportation sector." Obviously, these "yes men" in the legislature are willing to sacrifice these drivers and operators, forcing them to buy a "modern jeep" that costs more than millions! Indeed, the establishment, with its focus on its own interests, controls the lives of millions of drivers, operators, and commuters as well as their families.