Piston slammed the Department of Transportation’s proposed P196.2 billion 2026 budget, warning it will fast-track the corporatization of public transport and wipe out small operators.
Despite billions left idle in 2024 and glaring failures—3.9 million undelivered licenses, hundreds of thousands of missing plates, and a “modernization” program that hit only 3% of its target—the DOTr is demanding more funds for foreign-assisted mega-projects while neglecting people’s needs.
“It’s clear that this budget mainly serves to enrich corporations, foreign capitalists, and not for the benefit of transport workers and commuters,” Piston national president Mody Floranda said.
Billions are funneled into debt trap railways while the Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP) is poised to get P1.2 billion, forcing small jeepney operators into debt and bankruptcy.
The group reiterates that the PTMP is designed to hand public transport over to big business and foreign vehicle manufacturers.
“Public transport workers are continuously being displaced, commuters are being left stranded, while these huge corporations, banks, and vehicle importers rake in billions of profits,” Floranda warned.
Piston urged Congress to carefully scrutinize the budget and implement a genuinely nationalized transport system that serves Filipinos, not corporations.