When we call for a just transition, it is for the fossil fuel industry and all aspects of society, including our public transport system.
The PUV modernization program hides behind environmentally friendly reasons when really it only benefits big businesses and leaves behind the jeepney drivers and small operators to fend for themselves without a livelihood.
As climate justice activists, we support the calls of our public transport drivers who are among the most marginalized sectors of society making them more vulnerable to the climate crisis. Ensuring an accessible and sustainable public transport system is crucial in addressing the climate crisis and transport workers and commuters must be at the heart of the decisions being made.
A modernized jeepney unit is PHP 1.3 to 2.4 million each and the government is only providing PHP 200,000 assistance to drivers. With the current program, PUV drivers will be in debt or lose their livelihood completely. With the program, minimum fare is also expected to increase while inflation remains high and wage remains low. This will only worsen the economic crisis of Filipinos and make us even more vulnerable to the climate crisis.
YACAP encourages all environmentalists and climate advocates to support the jeepney strikes. It’s important to emphasize that when we act for environment, it should be equal and accessible to everyone.
Our jeepney drivers and small time operators need your help and support! With the threat of Jeepney Phaseout under the guise of modernization, the livelihood and survival of our jeepney drivers are under attack. Not only that, but commuters will have to face the loss of reliable public transportation and an increase of minimum fare while high inflation and low wage remains.
YACAP stands with our public transport drivers and calls for support as they continue to hold their strike against PUV Phaseout.
Climate justice is social justice! Climate justice means leaving no one behind!
Youth Advocates for Climate Action Philippines 