MANILA, Philippines - Members of various transport groups, led by Piston, staged on Monday a nationally-coordinated protest action to call on the government to suspend the implementation of the Joint Administrative Order which raises the penalties and fines for traffic violations.
Piston national president George San Mateo said transport sector workers converged at different protest centers in Metro Manila as early as 5 a.m.
San Mateo said they will try to convince other public utility drivers to join the protest action against the JAO of the Department of Transportation and Communications, Land Transportation Office and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board.
He said that the JAO, issued by the three government agencies on June 19, has been a burden to the drivers and operators of public utility vehicles, as well as private motorists, due to the stiff fines and penalties for traffic infractions.
San Mateo said that PUV drivers will get a P1,000 fine for minor traffic violations like obstruction of traffic.
He said the government should suspend the JAO's enforcement pending a thorough review and consultation with the stakeholders.
Aside from the protest action in Metro Manila, San Mateo said there will also simultaneous mass mobilizations in Laguna, Albay, Iloilo, Bacolod, Cebu, Northern Mindanao, Surigao Del Norte, General Santos and Davao City against the JAO.