A PUJ driver is seen holding a placard where his plight is written. | Courtesy of Piston Cebu/ Facebook
CEBU CITY, Philippines – Piston-Cebu, in adherence to their announcement to participate in the two-day nationwide protest against the December 31 deadline for Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) consolidation, claimed to have impacted the city’s jeepney operations during the first day of the strike.
READ: Piston-Cebu to hold another 2-day transport strike on Dec. 14-15
According to a recent statement issued by the transport group, the paralysis of jeepney units reached noteworthy levels, with reported percentages ranging from 70 to 95 percent in different rally centers.
In particular, the statement highlighted a substantial absence of 95 percent of jeepneys along M.J. Cuenco in front of Andoks in Mabolo. Meanwhile, the Gorordo area experienced a 70 percent reduction in jeepney activity, mirroring the scenario on P. Rosario.
“Overall, almost 80 percent of the jeepney drivers in the mentioned rally centers showed their strong support for the strike,” read an excerpt from the press release.
However, contrasting statements arise, as Cebu City Councilor Rey Gealon, the chairman of the Traffic Management Committee (TMC), disputes the claimed paralysis.
READ: Why Piston-Cebu joined transport strike
Gealon asserted, “Wala may paralysis [today] (There is no paralysis [today]),” indicating a differing perspective on the extent of the strike’s impact.
Gealon further pointed out that if there indeed was a paralysis, the government would have deployed green buses to cater to passenger transportation needs.
“Everything is taken care of in terms of transportation needs, especially in areas where some drivers are on strike,” he assured.
The Piston-Cebu announced on Tuesday to stage a two-day transport strike from December 14 to 15.
The top reasons for their protest that was participated by more or less a hundred drivers and operators in Cebu were the franchise consolidation requirement and the public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization.
RELATED STORIES
Manila offers free rides as Piston goes on strike again
Piston-Cebu: Over 100 drivers to join nationwide protest against PUV modernization