DOTr: Traffic unaffected by strike, plans to ‘move forward” with PUVMP
Tomas Kauer - News Moderator 
By JISELLE ANNE C. CASUCIAN, GMA Integrated News
The Department of Transportation said the two-day transport strike held by PISTON and MANIBELA did not paralyze the flow of Philippine traffic.
In a public briefing on Tuesday, Jonathan Gesmundo, executive assistant to Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, said the concerned government agencies are focusing on the next steps of the PUV Modernization Program (PUVMP).
“Hindi kami nakatutok on how to respond. It’s more of moving forward kami,” said Gesmundo.
(We’re not focused on how to respond (to the transport strike). It’s more of how we are moving forward.)
On Saturday, DOTr Undersecretary for Road Infrastructure Andy Ortega said the two-day strike would not have a significant impact on public transportation.
The transport groups organized the strike after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced that there would be no more extensions on the April 30, 2024 deadline for PUV consolidation.
Gesmundo said the DOTr has explained the program’s goals and benefits to the affected parties.
“Sinasabi nga namin that the goal is para guminhawa ang paglalakbay ng commuters at ang nakikita naming side effect ay luluwag ang kalsada, luluwag ang traffic,” he said.
(We have been saying that the goal is to improve the transportation experience for commuters and the side effects we see are less congested roads, lighter traffic.)
He assured the government is willing to provide financial assistance and livelihood assistance for those who chose not to consolidate, and equity subsidies for those who will be purchasing new units.
“May mga paraan para magpatuloy ang kabuhayan nitong mga maaapektuhan,” he said.
(There are ways to secure the livelihood of those who will be affected.)
The DOTr official said operators or drivers have the option to choose their preferred units from 54 different models, which range from P985,000 to P2 million depending on the model and manufacturer.
They may also refurbish their current units according to new required standards.
“Palitan mo yung makina, yung di mausok. Ilagay mo yung pintuan sa tagiliran [at] itaas mo yung bubong. Basta according to [the] Philippine National Standards,” added Gemundo.
(Replace the engine with a cleaner one. Place the door to the side [and] raise the roof level. As long as it’s according to [the] Philippine National Standards.)
The transport strike began on April 15 and was announced to last for two days. The strike was organized in protest of the April 30 deadline with no extension set for the consolidation, with both PISTON and MANIBELA declaring that they will continue operating past said deadline.—RF, GMA Integrated News
