Transport groups rally behind Ako Ilokano Ako Party-list

More than 300 representatives from major transport groups across the country on Thursday declared their support for the Ako Ilokano Ako Party list.

In a gathering held in Quezon City, attendees belonging to the Stop and Go Transport Coalition, Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (FEJODAP), Liga ng Transportasyon at Operators sa Pilipinas, Inc. (LTOP, Inc.), and Pasang Masda pledged solidarity with the party list’s advocacy for drivers’ welfare and inclusive transportation policies.  

The groups cited Ako Ilokano Ako’s efforts in pushing for better livelihood programs, health and education services, fair regulations, and support for transport workers amid rising fuel costs.

The party-list group, represented in the House by Rep. Richelle Singson, has actively pushed for measures to assist transport workers grappling with the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), including subsidy expansions and sustainable livelihood initiatives, among others.  

“We stand with Ako Ilokano Ako because they listen to the struggles of drivers and operators,” LTOP, Inc. national president Orlando Marquez said in Filipino, referring to the solon’s initiative to continue the advocacy of her father, former Ilocos Sur Governor Luis “Chavit” Singson who launched a senatorial bid for the 2025 midterm elections but withdrew his candidacy in early January this year due to health reasons.

Rep. Singson said the family was concerned about her father’s health and stress levels when he was campaigning for senator. 

She said that even before he ran, what he always did was help.

This e-jeepney program, she added, was already her father’s initiative before his senatorial candidacy. 

“So, even wala siyang position, lagi syang tumutulong. Sabi namin hindi nya kailangan maging senador para ma continue nya ang tulong sa taong bayan,” Rep. Singson said. “When it comes to legislation, nandito naman kaming mga anak, lahat ng plataporma nya nung tumatakbo syang senador, thru Ako ilokano Ako Party-list na lang ang implementation.”

“Tinutuloy namin ang laban ni Daddy,” she added, drawing cheers from the transport groups’ members.

No withdrawal

In his inspirational message, the former governor clarified that his withdrawal from senatorial candidacy was not tantamount to the withdrawal of support for the transport sector. 

He said the new iconic Philippine jeepney, which marks a significant milestone in the country’s PUVMP, stays.

The cutting-edge electric prototype, which aims to revolutionize the beloved mode of transportation and address urban mobility challenges, goes beyond producing e-jeepneys. Its primary goal is assisting Filipinos who have endured road inconvenience and pollution for years. 

For Manong Chavit, producing e-jeepneys is not about making profits but about serving the community and addressing the road challenges faced by public utility drivers and commuters.

“Tulong ito sa mga Pilipino (This is help for Filipinos),” he said, committing to offering zero-interest loans to PUV drivers to transition to eco-friendly options like e-trikes, motorcycles, and e-jeepneys.

He promised to lower the cost of each e-jeepney to P1.2 million, against the prevailing market price of ₱2.5 to ₱3 million. 

Transport leaders expressed the belief that Ako Ilokano Ako Party-list’s commitment to the transport sector is clear, and it can amplify their voices in Congress.

Meanwhile, prominent political figures and senatoriables —incumbent senators Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, Christopher “Bong” Go, incumbent Sagip party-list Rep. Rodante Marcoleta, former Senate President Tito Sotto, ex-Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, former Interior secretary Benhur Abalos, former senator Manny Pacquiao, and television host Willie Revillame —have publicly thrown their support behind Ako Ilokano Ako Party-list, bolstering its campaign ahead of the 2025 midterm elections.  

The endorsement comes as the regional party-list group, which primarily advocates for Ilocano welfare and development but extends its coverage to the entire country, seeks to expand its influence in Congress. 

Each with significant followings in politics and entertainment, the senatorial candidates vowed to support the party-list group’s initiatives, particularly those related to grassroots empowerment and local governance.

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