CEBU, Philippines - The National Confederation of Transportworkers Union is opposed to the plan of the Department of Transportation and Communication to phase out 15-year-old jeepneys by January.
"We opposed this jeepney phase-out kay wa gani sila’y hisgot about sa transition mechanism," said Romeo Armamento, vice president of NCTU-Visayas.
Armamento said the DOTC is planning to phase out jeepneys that are more than 15 years old as part of the agency's transport modernization plan.
"Kung ilaha ning ipatuman, hurot ang tanang jeepneys di lang kay sa Cebu but sa tibuok nasud," he said.
If these old jeepneys are phased out, the government should have a transition mechanism, otherwise, many jeepney drivers will lose livelihood, he said.
"Di lang kay ang mga drivers ang mawagtangan og panginabuhian apil na ang mga operator, suppliers, vulcanizing shop ug uban pa lakip na ang ilang mga pamilya," Armamento further said.
He said that in the next few days, several transport groups nationwide will tackle the plan to hold a nationwide strike regarding the matter.
The Philippines is committed to reducing carbon monoxide emission and phasing out old jeepneys is reportedly one of the measures considered in order to meet that goal. (FREEMAN)