Manila, Philippines - The Liga ng Transportasyon at Operators sa Pilipinas (LTOP), along with other major transport organizations, has chosen not to participate in the ongoing transport strike led by Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide (Piston).
According to Philippines News Agency, both the Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (Fejodap) and Pasang Masda have also decided to sit out the strike. However, Marquez acknowledged that the grievances raised by Piston, primarily concerning issues with the current Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) leadership, are shared across the broader transport sector. The LTOP, in particular, seeks to appeal directly to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for assistance in making the jeepney modernization process more feasible for operators.
Marquez expressed frustration over the LTFRB's insistence on collecting fines incurred during the pandemic as a precondition for transport operators to join larger cooperatives under the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP). He claimed that the previous LTFRB leadership had agreed to condone these fines, a stance not maintained by the current administration. Marquez stated that these issues are obstructing progress in modernizing the country's public utility jeepney (PUJ) fleet.
The LTOP has also postponed its planned ceremonial presentation of a modernized jeepney unit at the Malacañang Palace, opting instead to directly communicate their concerns to President Marcos. Marquez emphasized the LTOP's commitment to modernization and support for President Marcos, citing the president's positive approach towards the transport sector as the reason for their decision not to strike.
Regarding the ongoing strike led by PISTON, Marquez observed that it might have some impact in certain areas but is unlikely to cause a major disruption in public transportation in Metro Manila and other key regions. He also noted that the participation of the Samahang Manibela Mananakay at Nagkaisang Terminal ng Transportasyon (Manibela) in the strike is not expected to significantly influence its outcome due to its relatively small membership.