Transport Strike Continues in Iloilo Versus Jeepney Modernization

By Juliane Judilla

Hundreds of jeepney drivers, operators, and commuters staged a transport strike at four centers across Iloilo City on Thursday, June 5.

Led by the Panay-Negros United Transport Coalition (PNUTC), the groups protested the government’s Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP), calling it a “bogus” initiative.

Protest actions were held at Ungka Terminal, Infante Flyover, Tagbak Terminal, and the Iloilo Provincial Capitol.

Participants included drivers and operators from Iloilo City, Leganes, Pavia, Oton, Santa Barbara, San Miguel, and Antique Province.

They called for the scrapping of the PTMP and its key policies, such as the Enhanced Local Public Transport Route Plan and the mandatory consolidation of traditional jeepneys into cooperatives often managed by private corporations.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT, NOT A ‘JOKE’

The groups also condemned the response of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon to the demands of drivers and operators.

They recalled that during an April 25 dialogue with the Kabacod Negros Transport Coalition Inc. in Bacolod City, Dizon promised that traditional jeepneys would be renewed within a week.

However, nearly a month later, on May 7, the DOTr issued Department Order No. 2025-009, which cited President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s recommendation to continue the PTMP for its “potential” benefits to transport workers’ livelihoods.

Soon after, Dizon himself admitted that implementing the modernization program was not practical at this time.

Out of more than 170,000 public utility vehicles nationwide, only about 76,000 have been consolidated, meaning nearly 60 percent remain outside the program.

Sen. Grace Poe, vice chair of the Senate Public Services Committee, said what’s more troubling is that many operators have failed to repay loans used to purchase modern jeeps, prompting banks to tighten lending.

Several transport groups criticized Dizon, saying the government appears to treat drivers’ hardships and livelihood struggles like a “joke.”

“This matter should not be treated as a joke because the hard work of drivers is not a joke,” said Gabyel Guillen of the workers’ and transport group Kilusang Mayo Uno – PISTON.

“Losing their livelihood is not a joke, and it seems like the state is just playing around with it,” he added.

Guillen urged the government to understand the transport sector’s problems and develop solutions that directly address their needs.

“Listen to the masses,” he said.

“We demand a public transport system that is nationalist—not imported from foreign corporations—pro-people, and accessible to the public, not just to those in power,” he added.