“They were not successful. The government will never allow them to be successful,” that’s how MMDA Spokesperson Celine Pialago described the protest against the jeepney and UV express modernization program due to the heavy costs.
According to Pialago, the protesters failed to make an impact with their strike on Monday (September 30).
The government led by President Rodrigo Duterte wants to phase out all old jeepneys and UV Express service vehicles by 2020 and replace them with units that have environment-friendly engines such as the Euro Diesel 4.
Pialago’s statements didn’t sit well with netizens for her insensitive comments towards the poor drivers instead of hearing their sentiments.
https://twitter.com/gabrant001/status/1178663460034334722
https://twitter.com/InigoAbellar/status/1178671531007692801
Celine Pialago, a candidate for Miss Philippines Earth 2014 then passed away as MMDA Assistant Secretary. https://t.co/n7xzSHBk75 pic.twitter.com/NcsvBYMA06
— Miko (@theangrytenor) September 30, 2019
Instead of helping the poor, you mock them? Hindi nila ginustong mawalan ng isang araw na kita pero nagsakripisyo sila para ipaalam at inyong tugunan ang mga problema.
Kayo ang hindi successful sa pagtugon sa kailangan ng mga mamamayang inyong dapat pinaglilingkuran. https://t.co/SVnPNzCaOP
— Gideon V. Peña (@attygideon) September 30, 2019
Grade Schoolers: Books before Boys
PH Gov Officials: Boobs over BrainsWe haven’t moved-on from Celine Pialago dissing democractic practice of Filipino Laborers yet here come’s a comeback surprise for Mocha Uson. Daebak! pic.twitter.com/jeAqWJ1DUc
— Clint•제롬 (@clintoncloud09) September 30, 2019
• Dela Rosa on polio outbreak
• Teodoro Locsin on UN intervention
• Philippines votes against UN resolution to end human rights abuses in Myanmar
• Mocha Uson's reappointment
• Martin Delgra and Celine Pialago on today's strike*sighs*
— Nan (@nanoftheabove_) September 30, 2019
https://twitter.com/paulantoknee/status/1178533277201653760
Summary: hindi niya talaga gets
She passed away. (Pialago, 2014) pic.twitter.com/r95fAkVWBI
— jp✖️ plus why (@dumidyeypee) September 30, 2019
Even Kapamilya actor Enchong Dee can’t help but comment on Pialago’s transport strike statements.
It’s discouraging to be a good citizen when the elected officials that implement the law fail to follow the constitution. #AkoLangTo 🤦🏻♂️
— Enchong Dee (@enchongdee777) September 30, 2019
Mamayang Pilipino nanaman mag-aadjust? Why not provide for the Jeepney driver’s modernization… if the govt finds it expensive, how much more the jeepney drivers? pic.twitter.com/zxP0TvgpBR
— Enchong Dee (@enchongdee777) October 1, 2019
Politician Ruffy Biazon also comment on the issue.
Government spokespersons, receiving salary from the public, have an obligation and duty to speak with circumspection and utmost prudence, upholding the standards expected from public servants. https://t.co/xHGYJasUVe
— Ruffy Biazon (@ruffybiazon) October 1, 2019
Meanwhile, national president of Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (Piston) Mody Floranda debunked Pialago’s statement that the nationwide transport strike wasn’t successful. “Do not underestimate the power of the masses because it has been proven in history that the Filipino people are capable of overthrowing a dictator’s government.”
Pialago became Internet famous in 2014 when she competed in the Miss Philippines Earth pageant because of her “she passed away” gaffe during an interview. She was appointed as spokesperson of the MMDA in September 2016. Last year, she was promoted as an assistant secretary.
