Philippine jeepney drivers took to the streets of Manila on Tuesday in a loud protest against the government's decision to phase out these iconic smoke-emitting vehicles and replace them with modern mini-buses.
Jeepneys, originally fashioned from surplus US jeeps after World War II, hold a significant place as a national symbol in the Philippines and form the backbone of the country's transportation system. Providing affordable rides for millions of people across the nation, these vibrant vehicles charge as little as 13 pesos (23 cents).
More than 150 jeepneys, accompanied by hundreds of protesters, formed a convoy that traversed Manila, expressing vehement opposition to the impending phase-out. Caloy Orain, a 65-year-old jeepney driver with 41 years of experience, emphasised the personal connection to his livelihood, stating, "This jeepney is not just my livelihood; this is my life."
The government's modernization initiative was launched in 2017 to enhance the country's chaotic public transport system. However, delays caused by protests and the COVID-19 pandemic have impeded its progress. Jeepney operators were given until the end of 2023 to join cooperatives, which would then have two to three years to replace their fleets with safer, less polluting modern vehicles.
To ease the financial burden of this transition, the government offered support to cooperatives in the form of bank financing and subsidies ranging from 200,000 to 300,000 pesos per vehicle. Despite these incentives, drivers remain opposed, arguing that the cooperative system and the cost of purchasing new vehicles would plunge them into insurmountable debt, making it impossible to sustain their livelihoods.
Under the new plan, drivers would have fixed schedules, departing from the current system that allows them more flexibility. Emilio Millares, a 59-year-old jeepney driver with four decades of experience, stressed, "We are not against modernization; what we are against is the system. They made a programme without consulting us."
The protest reflects a determination among drivers to fight for their iconic vehicles and livelihoods. Restituto Rocafort, who is close to paying off his jeepney, expressed concern that the phase-out plan would only burden him with significant debt, requiring him to earn seven times his current daily income to meet cooperative contributions.
As of Monday, nearly 77 percent of registered jeepneys nationwide and 97 percent in Manila had joined cooperatives, according to the transport bureau. Those who missed the December 31 deadline were granted permission to continue operating until the end of January. However, older drivers like 55-year-old Artemio Cinco fear unemployment after January 31 due to their age, adding, "I'm losing sleep, especially now that the grace period is ending in a few days. I have eight children and many grandchildren. All are dependent on me."
