Several major cities in the Philippines have recently been plunged into unprecedented traffic turbulence, with a strike initiated by Jeepney drivers and car owner groups sweeping through the streets and alleys of these cities. This two-day strike is a strong protest against the government's plan to phase out old jeeps, reflecting the deep concerns of grassroots transportation workers about the increasing economic burden and threat to their livelihoods.

With the joint strike orders issued by the National Federation of Jeepney Drivers and Operators and the Union of Bus Employees and Labor Freedom, Jeepney drivers in Manila and other major cities in the Philippines have put down their steering wheels and chosen to express their dissatisfaction with government policies in the most direct way possible. According to the strike organization's estimate, about 20000 Jeep drivers actively responded and participated in this unprecedented protest. On social media, photos and videos of the strike quickly spread, showing scenes of people anxiously waiting on the roadside or competing to take other modes of transportation, revealing the difficulties of transportation.

Jeepney, a transportation vehicle modified from an elongated military jeep, has long become a unique scenic spot on the streets of Philippine cities. They carry the historical memory of the Filipino people and are also an indispensable part of many people's daily lives. However, as time passes, many Jeep vehicles gradually age, becoming a dual hazard of air pollution and road safety. To this end, the Philippine Department of Transportation has launched a public transportation modernization plan since 2017, aimed at improving transportation conditions by phasing out old vehicles and introducing new types of transportation that meet higher environmental and safety standards.

However, the government's plan unexpectedly sparked widespread opposition. The high cost of the new Jeep has become a burden that drivers and owners cannot afford. A new Jeepney that meets EU Phase 4 standards or is equipped with an electric engine can cost up to 2 million pesos (approximately 152000 RMB), which is significant for most For drivers who rely on Jeepneys for a living and already have a meager income, it is undoubtedly an astronomical figure. They are worried that they will not be able to bear such enormous economic pressure and may even lose their means of livelihood as a result.

In order to alleviate the impact of strikes on citizens' travel, the Philippine government quickly took action and mobilized a large number of official vehicles to provide free commuting services for office workers and students. Nevertheless, the number of jeeps on the streets has significantly decreased, posing a significant challenge to urban transportation.

At present, the Philippine government is actively communicating and negotiating with the striking Jeep drivers, striving to find a mutually acceptable solution. However, this controversy undoubtedly reminds the government and relevant departments that when promoting any policies related to people's livelihood issues, they must fully consider the interests and demands of all sectors of society, ensuring the fairness and sustainability of policies.