MANILA – More than two months under quarantine and a few days after Metro Manila was classified under general community quarantine, yet the transport sector that are still operating the traditional public utility jeepneys has more reasons to complain to the government.
In a rare live radio-TV interview with three national organizations of small transportation operators and drivers in the country, on Wednesday, all of them said they have yet to receive the promised assistance of the government to the poor who are affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) crisis.
Obet Martin, National Chairman of Pasang Masda said his group stayed home without any source of livelihood and until now are still waiting for support from the government. “Ako po’y nalulungkot dahil mahigit dalawang buwan na walang biyahe, ay talagang walang kita ang katsuperan sa hanay ng jeepney. Pati ‘yong Social Amelioration Program ay hindi pa namin natatanggap,” (I’m very sad because we don’t have operation for more than two months and our jeepney drivers have no income at all. We have not received any assistance from the Social Amelioration Program), Martin said.
On her part, Zeny Maranan, National President of FEJODAP denied that they received any help from the government despite their submission of names of qualified members and complying all requirements. “Sa awa ng Diyos wala pa kaming natanggap. Sinungaling ang DSWD. Sabi nila na pinadala na nila sa G-Cash, pinag-member pa nila kami, sunod-sunoran ang mga tsuper upang mabigyan lang ng ayuda,” (In God’s grace we did not receive anything yet. DSWD is a liar. They said they sent it already through G-Cash, they require us to be members, the drivers followed everything that they want just to receive assistance), Maranan said.
Efren De Luna, National President of ACTO said they too are waiting for the assistance from the government. He complained of haphazard program of the government in providing transportation of the people after the lifting of the MECQ in Metro Manila. “Dapat yan ay napag-aralan ng maayos. Naka-focus lamang sila sa may EDSA at hindi nila nakikita ang mga manggagawa sa ibang lugar. Kung nakaintindi talaga ang mga namumuno sa transportasyon sa sitwasyon ay makita nila hindi ang isang panig lamang kondi ang kabuohan na mas makakaserbiyo sa tao,” (It must be studied thoroughly. They have focused only along EDSA and they have not seen many workers in other areas. If the leaders in the transport sector really understood the situation, they should have seen the whole picture and not only a part of it that can provide service to the people), De Luna said.
However, all of them are hopeful that their groups will be given the chance to operate again in June 21, as promised by the Land Transportation Regulatory Board. They also appealed to the government to include their sector in its support to those who are badly affected by the pandemic.
