Transport Strike Halts Filipino Commuters

The nation is halted by a transport strike, leaving Filipinos stranded.

A statewide transport strike on March 6 left commuters stuck around the country as buses, jeepneys, and other PUVS came to a complete stop. Many transport organizations launched the walkout in opposition to the jeepney modernization program by the government.

The strike was mainly peaceful, although there were some reports of a ruckus between drivers and passengers who were desperately trying to go to their workplace or their school. Due to the lack of public transportation, commuters resorted to walking long distances or depending on private vehicles, which resulted in heavy traffic along major roads.

Accordingly, Adamson University decided to hold classes online during the week-long strike. Many students were relieved to stay in the comfort of their homes, avoiding the turmoil of finding a PUV to attend their lectures. The majority of Adamsonians chose to go back to their hometowns to maximize a week of online classes with their families.

Several businesses were also forced to close temporarily due to the lack of staff. Some companies even advised their employees to continue their work online during the strike instead of going to the office every day. The Department of Labor and Employment asked employers to be lenient with their employees who were affected by the lack of public transportation in their areas. Difficulties that never seem to end in our country have been brought to light again with the transport strike. Filipinos still struggle to make ends meet on a daily basis, yet recovering from the hardships of the COVID-19 pandemic.

With the efforts of various transportation groups, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has consented to examine the reconsideration of the extremely contentious PUV modernization program. The transport strike ended only after a day after its launch across the country. Leaders of said transportation groups thanked the public for their understanding and for also promoting their advocacy.