Some jeepney drivers won't be able to send their children to school due to transport halt

Everybody accepted the fact that public transportation aren't available during the enhance community quarantine. Operators and drivers silently waited for the announcement for their possible return to the city roads.

Photo Credit:news.abs-cbn.com

The government allowed the return of public utility vehicles, including modern jeepneys on June 22. Authorities, however, remain silent on the guidelines for the return of traditional jeepneys.

The Malacanang says that traditional jeepneys would eventually be allowed back on the road, but they're coming in last in the priorities and are subject to the units' road-worthiness. This was when a certain jeepney association threatened

to abandon their units in front of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and just burn them.

Jeepney drivers resorted on begging in the streets for something to bring home to thier families. Everyday that they aren't allowed to work, they are more and more falling into poverty.

According to few jeepney drivers, rice is not the only thing they need. They have children that needs to go to school. But since they couldn't work, their children have to stop their schooling as well.

"Eh di stop muna po. Next year na lang uli pagka napalitan na ang sistema ng ano natin ng pamamaraan at gumanda na ikot ng buhay," (We have to stop sending our children to school for the meantime until the system or guidelines of the quarantine changes or when our lives gets better.) said Jude Recio, a driver.

Jeepneys operators and drivers are asking for their return on the road because many of the drivers don't know how to survive when driving is the only job they know and can do.

The fate of almost 200,000 drivers and operators now are hanging and still waiting for the government's next action. They ask for fast and compassionate resolutions. 

Netizens that are in favor of jeepneys' return says that jeepneys are considered a symbol of Philippines' culture and art. It is also considered as the national image of Filipinos and the government should take that in mind.