By CESAR JOLITO III
Major transport groups in Bacolod City, joined by progressive organizations, staged a protest action at the Bacolod City Government Center Replica yesterday to commemorate the first anniversary of what they described as the “unjust arrest” of local transport leaders and the “water cannon incident” that took place in front of a hotel.
The demonstrators amplified their calls for justice against corruption, accountability and reforms in the government’s transport policies.
Judalyn Pacheco, treasurer of Kabacod Negros Transport Organization (KNETCO), recalled the events of September 18, 2024, when they rallied in front of the L’Fisher Hotel on Lacson Street, where the Visayas Public Transport Modernization Program Summit was being held.
Authorities used a water cannon to disperse them.
“I was in front of the protest, and they bombed us with water cannons, but I never retreated because I know we have the right,” Pacheco said.
“It is nasty and painful to recall what they did to us a year ago,” she added, insisting that their group continues to seek justice.
Meanwhile, KNETCO President Lilian Sembrano said their rally is a demonstration against alleged injustices and corruption within the local transport sector.
They accused the local government unit of misusing taxpayers’ money on transport summits that do not benefit transport operators, drivers and leaders.
Sembrano further criticized the Public Transportation Modernization Program (PTMP), claiming that it is a source of corruption and that funds are being misused by several government agencies, corporations and cooperatives.
They called on the government to protect the livelihoods of its citizens and to fight corruption in PTMP.
The groups are also demanding justice for the “transport summit victims,” accountability and the dismissal of the cases against them.
Unresolved
According to Rudy Catedral, president of the Bacolod Alliance of Commuters, Operators and Drivers (BACOD)-Manibela, the case involving the arrest of six transport leaders and members during last year’s incident remains unresolved.
“We will have our last witness before the court decides the ruling,” Catedral said, expressing confidence that the case will fall in their favor.
Beyond the commemoration, the groups also used the protest to denounce alleged corruption within the Department of Transportation (DOTr).
Catedral claimed that while the DOTr has set aside funds for service contracting programs meant to subsidize free rides for commuters, “we see none.”
He further disclosed that hundreds of members and leaders are set to participate in the nationwide indignation rally spearheaded by church leaders on Sunday, September 21, where transport groups will join other sectors calling for accountability.
While various organizations push for action on issues such as flood control projects, transport groups will center their demands on bringing back the five-year franchise program and opposing the controversial PTMP.
“We are fighting so that our livelihood will not be lost,” Catedral stressed./CJ, WDJ