George San Mateo, Former Piston President, Dies at 60

George San Mateo, the former national president of the Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide (Piston), tragically passed away from a heart attack on July 25, 2025. He was 60 years old. The transport organization announced his untimely death over the weekend, mourning the loss of a significant leader in the fight for the rights of public utility vehicle operators in the Philippines.

San Mateo, affectionately known as Ka George, was a pivotal figure in the resistance against the government's Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), which he vehemently criticized since its inception in 2017. His leadership during the two-day nationwide transport strike in December of that year garnered significant attention and ultimately led to his arrest. However, he was cleared of all charges in 2020, a testament to his resilience and commitment to advocacy.

Born into a working-class family, San Mateo's journey began as a driver, initially serving as a family chauffeur before working for a car rental company. He later became a taxi driver and operator of a second-hand vehicle, experiences that deeply informed his advocacy for transport workers. His activism roots trace back to the late dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos Sr., where he was involved with the Kabataan para sa Demokrasya at Nasyonalismo (Kadena) group, serving as its Parañaque City chapter chairman in 1985 and later as the national spokesperson in 1987.

The significance of San Mateo's contributions to the transport sector cannot be understated. His leadership in Piston, an organization formed to unify drivers and operators, was instrumental in voicing the concerns of countless workers affected by government policies. According to Dr. Maria Santos, a sociologist specializing in labor movements at the University of the Philippines, "San Mateo's advocacy highlighted the struggles of transport workers, many of whom face economic uncertainties due to modernization efforts that threaten their livelihoods."

In the wake of his death, many members of the transport community have expressed their sorrow and gratitude for his contributions. "Ka George was not just a leader; he was a voice for the marginalized in the transport sector," stated Pedro Reyes, current president of Piston, in a statement. "His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of transport workers."

The PUVMP, which aimed to modernize the public transport system in the Philippines, has faced significant backlash since its proposal. Critics argue that it disproportionately impacts drivers and operators who cannot afford the new vehicles mandated by the government. San Mateo’s vocal opposition to these policies resonated with many, and his death leaves a void in the ongoing struggle for fair treatment of transport workers.

As the nation reflects on San Mateo's legacy, the transport sector faces continued challenges. The recent proposals for stricter regulations and modernization efforts are set to be debated in Congress, with San Mateo’s absence raising questions about the future of leadership in advocacy for transport workers. Many within the community are calling for new leaders to rise and continue the fight he so passionately championed.

In light of the current socio-political climate in the Philippines, San Mateo’s death is not just a personal loss; it represents a significant moment for the transport sector and the broader labor movements in the country. His contributions to social justice and economic equity for transport workers will be remembered as a critical part of the ongoing dialogue about workers' rights in the Philippines.