By Junex Doronio

MANILA – The “Magnificent 7,” composed of seven large transport groups, on Friday (09 Aug 2024) downplayed the threat of a three-day transport strike organized by Manibela next week, which has so far garnered support from Piston.

This development came as the larger transport coalition expressed its gratitude to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. for his unwavering support of the Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP).

“Ako ho, namuti na ang buhok ko sa transportasyon. Luma na ho ang tigil-pasada, hindi na po uso ‘yan. Ang uso, ugnayan sa ating pamahalaan,” said Pasang Masda president Roberto “Ka Obet” Martin during a press conference.

However, he acknowledged the concerns of cooperatives and corporations backing the consolidation, especially after 22 senators signed a resolution calling for its suspension.

Ironically, only opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros did not sign the resolution.

Martin emphasized that the “tigil-pasada” protest, once an effective means of catching the government’s attention, no longer suits the current transportation landscape in the country.

His statement came in response to Piston’s announcement on Friday of its intention to join Manibela’s three-day transport strike next week.

Piston national president Mody Floranda said he hopes to meet with Manibela chairman Mar Valbuena to strategize their next move, especially in light of the President’s firm stance on implementing the PTMP despite the Senate’s resolution calling for its suspension.

“Ang sa atin ay dapat pag-aralan mismo ni PBMM kung bakit nagkaroon ng Senate resolution. Tayo ay maglulunsad ng mga serye ng pagkilos hindi lamang dito sa NCR kundi sa buong bansa, naghahanda tayo sa mas malawak na transport strike sa harap mismo ng Malacañang,” Floranda stated.

However, the President has underscored that the modernization program has already been postponed seven times.

“I disagree with it (PTMP temporary suspension)…. Sinasabi nilang minamadali, (but) this has been postponed seven times. The modernization (program) has been postponed seven times,” Marcos Jr. told reporters.

ia/mnm