ILOILO City – More than 500 members of various transport groups across Western Visayas marched in protest on May 30, calling for the immediate reinstatement of traditional public utility jeepneys (PUJs) and slamming the government’s modernization program as anti-poor and exclusionary.
The demonstrators, under the Panay-Negros United Transport Coalition, gathered at Jaro Plaza and proceeded to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Region 6 office in Barangayt Tabuc Suba, Jaro district.
They denounced Department Order 2025-009 of the Department of Transportation (DOTr), which they said favors only transport cooperatives and operators with modernized units, sidelining independent PUJ operators with valid but unconsolidated franchises.
“We are here to demand the registration of all traditional jeepneys, especially those that have not been consolidated,” said Ruben Manzano, president of Iloilo Maribela. “We still have valid five-year franchises. If we operate without registration and get into an accident, who will take responsibility?”
The protest forms part of a nationally coordinated action by the No to PUV Phaseout Coalition.
Elmer Forro, the coalition’s regional convenor, accused DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon of breaking earlier promises to reinstate traditional jeepneys regardless of cooperative affiliation.
“We were promised that all traditional jeepneys would be allowed back on the road,” Forro said. “Instead, the new order only protects modernized units under cooperatives. This betrayal is pushing thousands of drivers and operators deeper into poverty.”
Under Department Order 2025-009, the DOTr reopened the consolidation program and reiterated its thrust to improve commuter safety while upholding the Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP). The protesting transport groups, however, said the policy has deprived many drivers of their livelihood, especially those who could not afford to join or form cooperatives.
Jear Chavez of the Bacolod Negros Transport Coalition also stressed that non-consolidated operators are not against modernization but want a level playing field.
“We just want to be heard and be allowed to legally operate,” Chavez said. “We need registration so we can serve our commuters safely, with insurance coverage and proper documentation.”
Chanting “Tuloy ang laban!” the protesters vowed to continue their resistance until the government grants equal rights and access to traditional jeepney operators across the region./PN
