Caloocan Court Acquits 'Piston 6' Jeepney Drivers Arrested During 2020 Lockdown Protest

The Caloocan Metropolitan Trial Court has acquitted the 'Piston 6,' a group of six jeepney drivers who were arrested in Caloocan City in June 2020 for protesting against the Duterte administration's restrictions on jeepney operations during the COVID-19 lockdown. The court granted the drivers' demurrer to evidence, effectively acquitting them of charges of simple resistance and disobedience.

The drivers, including Ruben Baylon, Severino Ramos, Wilson Ramilla, Ramon Paloma, Elmer Cordero, and Arsenio Ymas, were holding a peaceful demonstration near the Monumento Circle in Caloocan City when they were arrested by police. They were protesting the government's bias against jeepneys, as this mode of transportation was not allowed to ply their old routes due to safety and health concerns amid the pandemic.

The Piston 6 argued that the likelihood of COVID-19 spreading inside traditional jeepneys is minimal compared to modern bus-like jeepneys due to higher ventilation. They were initially charged with 'disobedience to social distancing' and fined 3,000 pesos each, but the Piston group refuted the police's claims, stating that the drivers had observed proper physical distancing and wore face masks during the protest.

Why this matters: The acquittal of the Piston 6 is seen as a vindication for jeepney drivers who have been fighting against the government's Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP). It highlights the challenges faced by marginalized workers during the pandemic and the importance of protecting their right to peacefully protest and defend their livelihoods.

Two of the protesters, Severino Ramos and Arsenio Ymas, eventually tested positive for COVID-19 while in jail. The court's decision was hailed by the Piston group as "proof of the legality of the movement against the public utility vehicles modernization program" and a "highlight of the state's blatant crackdown against the militant movement to fight for their livelihood."

Key Takeaways

• Caloocan court acquits 'Piston 6' jeepney drivers arrested for COVID-19 protest
• Drivers argued jeepneys have better ventilation, observed distancing during protest
• Acquittal seen as vindication for jeepney drivers fighting gov't modernization program
• Two protesters tested positive for COVID-19 while in jail after arrest
• Court decision hailed as proof of legality of movement against modernization program