Piston announced plans to hold a series of protests beginning today, April 7, until the Department of Transportation (DOTr) addresses its demands from a March 21 dialogue.
“We gave the new DOTr administration a chance to enact policies that favor small operators and drivers. We extended that window until April 4. Now it’s time to hold Secretary Dizon accountable: What’s next?” said Piston National President Mody Floranda, who is also a Makabayan senatorial candidate.
On March 21, Piston met with DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon to discuss grievances over the Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP). At the close of the talks, Dizon asked for ten days to propose solutions.
Piston is calling for:
- Immediate repeal of the PTMP;
- Restoration of a five‑year franchise validity for all public utility vehicles;
- Unconditional renewal of PUV registrations, regardless of consolidation status; and
- Rehabilitation of traditional jeepneys rather than their replacement with new imported units.
“Endless reviews are not enough. We have fought this battle for eight years. With each day the government delays suspending the modernization program, more drivers and operators lose their livelihoods, sink deeper into debt and suffer greater hardship,” Floranda said.
Piston emphasized that its protests aim to protect the livelihoods of small operators and drivers who are disproportionately affected by modernization policies. The group has vowed to continue its demonstrations until tangible resolutions are made by the DOTr.