EXCEPT for creating a traffic jam, no untoward incident was reported yesterday during the strike held by two transport groups to protest the impending phaseout of traditional jeepneys under the government’s public utility vehicle modernization program.
In a press briefing at Camp Crame, PNP spokeswoman Col. Jean Fajardo said they have not monitored any untoward incident as of 1 p.m.
Fajardo said at least 500 individuals and 151 public utility jeeps joined the transport strike held by the Malayang Alyansa ng Bus Employees at Laborers (Manibela) and the Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operators Nationwide (PISTON).
Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chief Romando Artes did not issue any statement regarding the strike. The agency’s Public Information Office also did not issue any statement.
The two groups occupied the westbound lane of Commonwealth Ave. and tried to march to Mendiola but were prevented from entering Manila by police forces in battle gear.
“So far, we have not monitored any untoward incident and we’re hoping this will continue,” said Fajardo. “Hopefully, this continues and on the part of the PNP we will continue to provide security to ensure the security and safety (of the transport strike).”
Fajardo said around 5,000 policemen were deployed to ensure peace and order, adding the cops exercised maximum tolerance in dealing with the protesters in keeping with the directive of PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr.
“We will exercise maximum tolerance and we will let them express their grievances and other concerns,” said Fajardo.
Fajardo said the PNP deployed 175 mobility assets in Metro Manila to assist commuters affected by the strike. She said vehicles were also deployed by local government units and other government agencies to mitigate the effect of the rally.
As of 1 p.m., Fajardo said the PNP vehicles have provided free rides to more than a hundred commuters.
Fajardo also said that at least four jeeps intending to join the strike were intercepted by the Land Transportation Office and PNP personnel in Bulacan and Cavite.
She said the drivers of the jeepneys in Bulacan failed to show LTO special permits and opted to return home rather than be issued citation tickets.
In Bacoor, Cavite, Fajardo said authorities also hailed a private jeepney for inspection. She said the occupants of the vehicle failed to produce documents for the vehicle and were temporarily held.
Fajardo said the inspection was not meant to prevent people from joining the transport strike in Metro Manila.
“The LTO has been doing this. Even here in NCR, LTO has been doing these random inspections. The PNP just provided security coverage,” Fajardo said.
“This is not the first time that the LTO and PNP conducted a joint operation. Whenever the LTO conducts random inspections, they request assistance from the PNP. The PNP just assisted the LTO,” added Fajardo.
‘JUNK PETITION’
The Department of Transportation has urged the Supreme Court to junk the petition of PISTON and its allied organizations to stop the implementation of the government’s Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program and franchise consolidation.
The DOTr said there is a need for the High Court to dismiss the plea on procedural grounds and the fact that it has no merit.
“Wherefore, premises considered, it is respectfully prayed that the petition for certiorari and prohibition with urgent application for a temporary restraining order and/or preliminary injunction dated 19 December 2023 be denied for lack of merit,” the Office of the Solicitor General, which is representing the DOTr and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, said in its comment to the petition filed last January 5.
It argued that the provisions in the assailed issuances of the DOTr and LTFRB regarding the modernization program and franchise consolidation “do not violate the constitutional provisions on the right to due process, equal protection before the law and unreasonable searches.”
PISTON and Manibela earlier asked the SC to issue a temporary restraining order or a writ of permanent injunction to stop the implementation of DOTr Order No. 207-011 on various issuances regarding the modernization program.
The issuances laid down the rules for the mandatory consolidation of individual PUV operators under transport cooperatives and corporations and the issuance of new franchises in favor of such entities as part of the modernization program being pushed by the DOTr and the LTFRB.
The DOTr, through the OSG, defended the plan, telling the High Court of the pressing need to modernize the public transport sector and address the problem of low-quality public transport service.
“The measures in question represent a valid exercise of police power, crucial for addressing the current disintegration and inefficiency in the country’s public transportation system,” the OSG told the SC.
It also cited the need to address the problem of air pollution caused by public transport, particularly jeepneys, which the OSG said account for at least 40 percent of all vehicle trips in the country.
“The government launched the public utility vehicle modernization program to improve and consolidate the local public land transport service towards a restructured, modern, well-managed, and environmentally sustainable transport sector,” the OSG added.
The OSG claimed that by going directly to the SC, the petitioners violated the hierarchy of courts.
“The doctrine of the hierarchy of courts is a practical judicial policy designed to restrain parties from directly resorting to this Honorable Court when relief may be obtained from lower courts,” it said, adding that going to the SC should be a “last resort.” — With Ashzel Hachero
