A man holds a placard as he joins a protest caravan to oppose the government’s jeepney modernisation plan, in Manila on April 15, 2024.MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine government must review the public utility vehicle modernization program and its impact on the livelihood of drivers, operators and their families, according to several business and workers’ groups.
They said the transport system should include support for local jeepney manufacturers to design and produce affordable, safe and environmentally friendly vehicles. Even with the consolidation deadline extension until the end of April provided by Malacañang, there is no assurance that affordable public transport options will be available after, the groups said.
Piston filed a petition for certiorari and injunction questioning the legality of the Dec. 31, 2023 deadline set for the PUVMP and sought a TRO to prevent its implementation until the petition is resolved.Nearly 8,000 police officers will be deployed across Metro Manila during the three-day transport strike, according to the National Capital Region Police Office .