Transport group stages World Bank conference protest in Baguio

BAGUIO CITY — Members of transport workers' group Piston Metro Baguio staged a protest outside a World Bank-sponsored transport modernization conference at Venus Park Hotel on Wednesday, voicing strong opposition to the government's vehicle modernization agenda.

The demonstration occurred shortly before the start of talks focused on the Philippines' public transport modernization program, which emphasizes a transition toward electric vehicles and away from traditional modes of transportation.

Piston has consistently opposed government directives to retire traditional jeepneys, arguing that even newer models meeting Euro 4 emissions standards should be retained. The transport group contends that the phase-out program threatens the livelihoods of operators and drivers who depend on jeepney operations.

The protest underscores ongoing tensions between transport worker advocates and policymakers over the implementation and pace of the modernization initiative. The World Bank conference represents part of efforts to reshape the country's public transport infrastructure in line with environmental and efficiency objectives.