Drivers and operators from the Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operators Nationwide (PISTON) conducted a ‘busina caravan’ on Monday to call on the government to allow the 100-percent return and zero phase out of traditional jeepneys in Metro Manila.
PISTON members gathered at Fairview, where the caravan began, and proceeded to
Commonwealth Avenue all the way to Philcoa in Quezon City. The group demanded the return of traditional jeepneys to more routes to alleviate the hardships of jeepney drivers and operators whose livelihoods were disrupted by the suspension of public transportation in Metro Manila.
“Umaangat ang galit ng mga drayber sa maitim na balak ni Duterte na i-phaseout ang aming kabuhayan. Hindi kami makakapayag dito kaya itinataas namin ang antas ng aming pagkilos,” according to PISTON deputy secretary general Ruben ‘Ka Bong’ Baylon.
The group also expressed that they are gathering and organizing their ranks to oppose the phaseout of jeepneys, call for the return to their routes, and the junking of the Anti Terror Law signed by President Rodrigo Duterte.
“Naniniwala kaming ipinasa ang teroristang batas na ito upang busalan at supilin ang mamamayang nagrereklamo. Sa bahagi namin, panukala pa lang ang Terror Law, ay sinapit na namin ang dahas ng estado dahil sa paghuli, pagkulong at pagsasapeligro sa kalusugan naming Piston 6.” adds Baylon.
PISTON strongly believes that the chief executive was the mastermind behind the jeepney phase out which they allege will benefit the business interests of allies and foreign companies.
“Hindi kami natatakot. Makakamit namin ang aming hangarin dahil nakasandig kami sa lakas ng nagkakaisang mamamayan. Tuloy ang laban!” concludes Baylon. – Angie Dela Cruz