By SHERWIN DE VERA
www.nordis.net

BAGUIO CITY—Jeepney drivers, operators, and commuters held a protest on September 23, demanding the suspension and review of the Baguio City Local Public Transport Route Plan (LPTRP) Ordinance. They cited a lack of consultation and other issues.

Led by the Baguio-Benguet Movement Against Jeepney Phaseout (BBMAJPO) and Piston Metro Baguio, the protesters argued that the policy reduces the number of jeepney units operating in the city from 2,164 to 1,544, which would displace over 2,000 jeepney drivers and their families.

“This ordinance is the concrete manifestation of the jeepney phaseout,” said Mike Cabangon, a member of BBMAJPO’s secretariat, stressing this could push many families into financial uncertainty.

The ordinance, passed in May, outlines the city’s transport routes, vehicle types, and the required number of units per route. It consolidates the 46 jeepney routes into 29 rationalized and two new developmental routes. The LPTRP is also a baseline requirement for granting Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) franchises and is a key component of the Public Transport Modernization Program.

BBMAJPO and Piston Metro Baguio submitted a position paper to the city government. They criticized the passage of the ordinance, calling it “undemocratic”. They argued that drivers, operators, and commuters were not substantially involved in preparing and passing the route rationalization plan. The groups also raised concerns about the potential loss of livelihoods, perceived bias toward big businesses, ineffective routes, and negative impacts on commuters.

“While we understand the need to address traffic congestion and Baguio’s carrying capacity, any plan should involve transparent and democratic consultations with those directly affected,” said Josefino Bautista, a local jeepney operator.

Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan, who attended the protest, assured the transport groups that their concerns would be considered. He said the city council would review the ordinance. The issue was included in the agenda for the council’s meeting on September 30.

The protest was part of a nationwide action led by PISTON, a transport group advocating for the rights of jeepney drivers. Protesters marched from Sunshine Park to the Department of Transportation – Cordillera Administrative Region before proceeding to the Baguio City Hall.# nordis.net