Gabriela Women’s Party condemned the threats made by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chairman Teofilo Guadiz III against jeepney drivers who plan to join the upcoming transport strike on July 24.

Assistant Minority Leader and Gabriela Women’s Party Rep. Arlene Brosas expressed full support for the transport strike organized by various transport groups, as they raise legitimate concerns regarding the government’s anti-poor and anti-people public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program and its failure to address the needs of the sector.

“LTFRB Chairman Teofilo Guadiz III’s rabid and inhumane warning of possible penalties and sanctions against participating drivers is a clear act of suppression and a violation of their right to peaceful assembly and expression. Instead of addressing the grievances of the drivers, the LTFRB is resorting to threats and intimidation. This only further highlights the urgent need for meaningful engagement with the transport sector to address their legitimate concerns,” Rep. Brosas said.

“Sabi ng gobyerno, extended daw ang franchise application ng mga operator pero mula pandemya hanggang ngayon ay tuloy-tuloy ang phaseout ng mga traditional jeepneys at patuloy silang pinagkakaitan ng maayos na ruta. The government is clearly implementing its PUV modernization program at the expense of the livelihoods of jeepney drivers and operators,” said Rep. Arlene Brosas.

“We urge the government to prioritize the welfare and livelihood of the drivers and operators. The transport strike is a manifestation of their frustrations and the urgent need for substantial changes in the PUV modernization program,” added Rep. Brosas.

In the upcoming State of the Nation Address, Gabriela Women’s Party will stand with the striking jeepney drivers and vows to amplify its support for the rights and welfare of the transport sector. We stand with the drivers and operators in their fight for just and humane working conditions.