Manila, Philippines: Amid the looming April 30 deadline for the consolidation of public utility vehicles (PUVs), the Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide (Piston) and Samahang Manibela Mananakay at Nagkaisang Terminal ng Transportasyon (Manibela) – said that they will hold a transport strike on Monday, April 15, to protest the PUV Modernization Program (PUVMP).

Piston deputy secretary general Ruben Baylon said that implementing the PUV program is "oppressive."

"The series of hearings on the PUVMP in Congress is not yet complete, and our petition against it is still pending before the Supreme Court. Despite this, the regime is rushing to take away the livelihoods of small operators and drivers," he said.

Both groups said that their members will continue to ply their routes despite the risk of apprehension after the consolidation deadline.

"It's evident that the Marcos administration isn't listening to the transportation sector's grievances. If they weren't swayed by the consecutive strikes last year, we won't hesitate to stage even stronger actions this April," Baylon said.

Piston again called for the "complete junking" of the PUVMP.

"If the administration is truly committed to serving the people, rather than just putting on a show, they shouldn't rush the modernization program or insist on franchise consolidation," Baylon added.

Manibela chief Mar Valbuena said around 20,000 to 25,000 operators are expected to join the strike.

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