Piston protests World Bank-led transport conference in Baguio

BAGUIO CITY — Transport group Piston Metro Baguio protested the World Bank-led transport modernization convention at Baguio’s Venus Park Hotel, an hour before talks began. 

Piston reiterated its opposition to abolishing traditional jeepneys, including Euro 4-compliant units, as the government pushes for a shift to electric vehicles under its public transport modernization program.

Students and youth members led by Anakbayan joined a protest rally in solidarity with jeepney drivers and operators opposing the mandatory replacement of their vehicles.

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READ: Piston urges SC to halt public transport modernization program

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Piston reiterated that public transport modernization should prioritize local vehicle manufacturing and rehabilitation of existing jeepneys over scrapping them.

In his welcome address, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong said the convention is the first among many stakeholders’ consultations. He assured the public that the proposed model will include inputs from all stakeholders.

Piston’s protest raises questions about the direction of modernization, particularly its impact on drivers’ livelihoods, small operators and manufacturers, and the country’s capacity to manufacture and sustain its own public transport./coa