LTFRB urges ACTO to cancel July 15 transport strike

PUV MODERNIZATION. The government's public utility vehicle modernization program continues to face opposition from transport operators and drivers. File photo by Joel Liporada/Rappler

MANILA, Philippines – The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) called on the Alliance of Concerned Transport Organizations (ACTO) to cancel its transport strike set for Monday, July 15.

ACTO earlier said its members would gather at the Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City at 8 am on Monday, then proceed to the LTFRB office.

They will be protesting certain guidelines under the government's public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program, reported Inquirer.net.

The LTFRB, in a statement on Sunday, July 14, said the planned transport strike would be "disruptive" and "a disservice to the commuting public."

The LTFRB noted that other major transport groups, such as Pasang Masda and the Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Associations of the Philippines, have already said they would not be joining the strike.

The PUV modernization program mandates the phasing out of jeepneys and buses aged 15 years and older and the replacement of non-Euro-4 compliant engines with new models prescribed by the government.

But the program has faced delays and issues over its implementation, including the huge costs to replace old PUVs. – Rappler.com