Mody Floranda

Modesto “Mody” Toque Floranda is a transport leader and activist. He serves as the president of the Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide (PISTON), a militant organization advocating for the rights of jeepney drivers and operators.

Floranda was born to a family of farmers and fisherfolk who faced hardships during Martial Law. He even endured military torture during this period.

Following the dictatorship, he relocated to Metro Manila and worked as an FX driver, exposing him to challenges faced by drivers such as high fines and escalating fuel prices. In 2014, he was affected by first rollout of the government’s phaseout program for public transport.

As a transport leader, Floranda has spearheaded numerous strikes and protests opposing the government’s jeepney phaseout program. He has also been vocal against continuous oil price hikes, attributing them to factors such as the value-added tax (VAT), the TRAIN Law, and excise taxes. He criticizes the Oil Deregulation Law and the profiteering of oil companies as primary contributors to these price increases. In 2023, he and other activists filed a Petition for Certiorari and Prohibition with the Supreme Court to nullify certain government issuances in relation to the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program.

On National Heroes Day, August 26, 2024, Floranda was announced as part of the Makabayan senatorial slate for the 2025 elections.