LTFRB lawyer crashes PISTON rally in Cubao

Tension built up at a protest activity in Cubao, Quezon City as jeepney drivers on strike accused Land Transportation, Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) spokesperson Aileen Lizada of interrupting and heckling their press briefing.

Protesting drivers and supporters were holding a press conference early afternoon Tuesday when Lizada arrived at the venue and drew reporters to her for a media briefing of her own.

Lizada again belittled the Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide (PISTON)-led two-day nationwide transport strike against the government’s planned phase-out of jeepneys and other public utility vehicles (PUV’s).

Lizada also threatened to file charges against participating drivers and operators as well as No To Jeepney Phase-Out Coalition leaders.

Initially taken aback by Lizada\s actions, Piston, Gabriela, Kilusang Mayo Uno, Migrante, and Anakbayan members responded with chants during Lizada’s briefing.

Quezon City Police District (QCPD) personnel formed a security ring around the LTFRB official.

Piston national chairpersonv George San Mateo called Lizada an “attack dog and deodorizer of President Rodrigo Duterte.”

San Mateo again urged President Duterte to a dialogue, saying he must scrap the PUV and jeepney phase-out plan.

In their press briefing before Lizada’s interruption, Piston said their two-day strike was succesful in informing the people of the “impending corporate take-over” of the entire public transport in the country. # (Report and photo by Kathy Yamzon)