The Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas and other peasant advocates today joined the solidarity action to demand the return of jeepney drivers to the streets to ply their routes. Farmers donated relief goods and farm produce to drivers who are not able to work for the past several months due to the lockdown. Any plan to phaseout traditional jeepneys at this time is the height of callousness. “Huwag naman agrabyaduhin pa ang mga nahihirapan nang tsuper ng jeepneys,” says KMP chairperson Danilo Ramos.

“Instead of dismissing the just demands of jeepney drivers, the government must listen to their grievances and come up with ways on how to alleviate their plight and respond to their economic needs. Jeepney drivers lost their only source of income and livelihood in the past months. Halos pulubi na ang ating mga dyipni drivers. Namamalimos na lang sa mga terminal at tabing kalsada para may maipakain sa kanilang pamilya. Wala pa silang natanggap na ayuda,” Ramos said.

“We strongly support calls of PISTON for the return of jeepneys to the streets, of course with proper health protocols for passengers,” Ramos said. “A well-planned, scientific and pro-people mass transport is important for the economy and to address the current transport crisis in the long-term. ###