The Filipino Jeepney Driver in Times Like These

Agustin openly expressed his discontentment against the present administration. “Bakit naman dati kay Erap, hindi masyado nagtataas ng presyo ng gas?” (Why is it that during the Estrada administration, oil prices did not increase that much?) “Kung gusto niya (pababain ang presyo ng gas), magagawan ng paraan,” (If Arroyo really wants to lower the prices of oil, there is a way) added Agustin.

“Kung maaari lang, Gloria out na,” (If it’s only possible Gloria Arroyo should be ousted now) stressed Agustin.

He said that this has led him to join Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON or Unity of Associations of Drivers and Operators Nationwide) and now, he is participating in the transport strike against the continuous and rapid increases in oil prices.

Committed to the struggle for what is just

Agustin shared that the purpose of the transport strike is not just about increasing the income of drivers. “Gusto namin mapigil yun pagtaas (ng presyo),” (We want to put a stop to the continuous hikes in oil prices) said Agustin. If not, he said, prices of food and other basic commodities would no longer be affordable, threatening the survival of majority of Filipino families.

Agustin is totally committed to the struggle of drivers, in particular, and the Filipino people, in general. “Yung asawa ko nga nananahi at sumasali pa rin sa rally eh” (My wife works at a garments factory and she still joins rallies) he proudly said.

Agustin stressed that before, he used to complain about the pains in his body after a long day of driving the jeepney. Now, he feels that there are more important things to complain about. After struggling to survive by driving a jeepney for more than half his life, his body may have started to feel weary; but he still has fire in his eyes, which is characteristic of the youth, because he firmly believes that he is fighting for what is just.

“Hangga’t malakas pa ako,” (As long as I am still strong) Agustin declared. Bulatlat