The re-election bid of Sen. Bam Aquino received a major boost with the endorsement from one of the major transport organizations in the country.

In their meeting in Lipa, Batangas, the National Confederation of Transportworkers Union (NCTU) expressed full support behind Sen. Bam, whom they consider as a dependable ally against the government’s oppressive modernization plan and the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law.

“Malaking bagay ang pag-endorso ng NCTU, na isang malaking grupo ng transport sector. Kasama natin sila sa paglaban sa TRAIN Law at nag-file din kami ng makatarungang modernization bill na mula mismo sa kanilang sektor,” said Sen. Bam.

In his speech, Sen. Bam renewed his commitment to work for the removal of excise tax on petroleum products under the TRAIN Law and push for the passage of an acceptable modernization bill for the transport sector.

Earlier, Sen. Bam filed a public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization bill with the support from NCTU, Sentro, ACTO, and Philippine Advocates for Transport Convergence.

In his Senate Bill No. 2056, Sen. Bam seeks to make jeepneys safer and more efficient for commuters and the environment, while ensuring the livelihood of drivers and their families.

“Hindi sila tutol sa modernisasyon. Ang tanging gusto nila ay modernisasyon na walang matatanggalan ng hanapbuhay, walang maiipit at mapeperhuwisyo na mga nagmamaneho ng jeep na nagtatrabaho para sa kanilang pamilya,” said Sen. Bam.

If passed into law, jeepneys will be tested based on road-worthiness and financial assistance will be given to owners who need to upgrade their jeepneys. Drivers that wish to shift careers will also be given sufficient compensation.

“Kapag naisabatas ang panukalang ito, magkakaroon tayo ng modernisasyon na katanggap-tanggap sa transport sector at sa mga mananakay,” he said.