Transport workers need cash aid too
TRANSPORT workers organized by LABAN TNVS, Bangon TNVS, 1-Motorcycle Transport Organization (1-MOTO) and Defend Jobs Philippines yesterday’s said they have long been affected by the imposed community quarantines of the government and must be included in its cash assistance programs.
The statement was made as the national government and various local government units in the ‘NCR+ Bubble’ areas conduct ongoing cash aid distribution to poor Filipinos affected by the extended enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) .
Transport groups complained that though public transportation has not been suspended during the ECQ implementation this year, they have long been suffering the deep impacts of the pandemic and imposition of the year-long quarantine in the county.
“With almost a year now, majority of drivers and operators of public transportation remains restricted to operate, have no income because of few commuters and have not been receiving any of the COVID-19 cash assistance programs of the government. We are humans too and have families to support!” said Jun De Leon, president of LABAN TNVS.
“Just like most of our countrymen, drivers of TNVS, jeepneys, taxis, busses, UV express, tricycles, motorcycle taxis, cargo and food delivery apps need aid too!,” added Issei John Goto, BANGON TNVSs president.
The groups also insisted that the national government must be inclusive and non-discriminatory in giving out aids to all Filipinos affected by the pandemic and the lockdowns it continuously implement.
“We hope that the government will treat the public transportation sector with utmost importance and relevance in their contribution and key role in rolling-out the economy, especially in this time of a national public health emergency crisis,” said Christian Lloyd Magsoy, Defend Jobs Philippines spokesperson.
The groups vowed to conduct a series of activities in the coming days and ask President Rodrigo Duterte as well as the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board and Department of Social Welfare and Development to provide them cash assistance in the soonest possible time.
