The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) not only caused millions of deaths and infections worldwide, but also disrupted lives in an unprecedented manner. Lockdowns implemented globally to curb the spread of the disease affected countless individuals and families economically and financially. Companies had to lay off their workers, while not so few had to shut down completely.  Sadly, many lost their jobs and sources of income.

Here in the Philippines, one of the sectors severely affected by the pandemic is the public transport group, particularly, the jeepney drivers.  During the period of strict community quarantines, they were prohibited from plying their routes, which in turn prevented them from earning.

Mindful of the sad plight of the jeepney drivers, the employees of the Senate Electoral Tribunal (SET) initiated a cash donation drive, which reached a total amount of Php25,000.00.  After identifying the beneficiary organization, the representatives of the Senate Electoral Tribunal Employees Association (SETEA) handed the donation to twenty (20) members of the Balintawak, Tandang Sora, Marcos Avenue, Jeepney Operator’s and Driver’s Association, Inc. (BATASMAJODA), who extended their gratitude to SET.