Piston launches 3-day nationwide strike protesting jeepney drivers' struggles

Transport group Piston initiated a three-day nationwide strike to protest the struggles of jeepney drivers and operators, highlighting issues like corruption and the impact of daily earnings on their families.

Piston president Mody Floranda stated that the strike aims to express the sector's frustration and draw the government's attention to their dire conditions.

Floranda specifically pointed out that a significant portion of jeepney drivers' daily earnings is allocated to excise tax, money that could otherwise support their families.

The transport group also voiced concerns about how their livelihood is negatively affected by flooding, which requires them to spend money on repairs when their jeepneys are damaged.

Atty. Ariel Inton of Lawyers for Commuters Safety and Protection (LCSP) reminded the LTFRB that the strike's main purpose is to unite against corruption in the government, particularly concerning anomalous flood control projects.

Inton emphasized that the impact of the strike on commuters is secondary to the main purpose of their protest.

The LTFRB reported that the first day of the strike had only a minimal impact on commuters due to coordinated efforts, with augmentation vehicles and swift response teams deployed.

The Quezon City Police District deployed over 1,000 personnel to secure key areas and provided 'Libreng Sakay' using police vehicles.