MANILA – Several transport groups have issued a joint statement condemning what they described as rampant and systemic corruption in the country’s transportation sector, saying it continues to destroy livelihoods, weaken the economy, and burden ordinary Filipinos.

In their “Transportasyon Kontra Korapsyon” Unity Statement, the groups lamented that instead of seeing public funds spent properly, citizens are repeatedly confronted with large-scale corruption scandals across different administrations.

“Habang ang mamamayan ay naghihigpit ng sinturon para makaraos, ang mga opisyal ng gobyerno at mga kasabwat nilang mga lokal at dayuhang negosyante ay patuloy na nagpapakasasa sa pondo ng bayan,” the statement read.

The groups cited the lack of subsidy for public transport, poor road infrastructure, burdensome policies such as the Oil Deregulation Law, excessive fines, and the planned PUV phaseout as among the effects of corruption that directly impact their sector.

They also alleged that corrupt practices remain widespread in agencies such as the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), citing under-the-table deals, payola, and extortion.

“Sa halip na solusyon, puro palusot ang binibigay ng gobyerno. Sa halip na pananagutan, inuuna ang pagtuturo at pagmamalinis,” they added.

The groups said they are ready to hold accountable officials involved in corruption and to push for a more progressive and pro-people transportation system.

Signed in the unity statement were: Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operators Nationwide (PISTON), Kapatiran ng Riders para sa Karapatan (KaRiders), Manila Taxi Regional Association (MANTRA), TNVR Alliance, Laban TNVS, and the National Public Transport Coalition (NPTC)