HEAR US Public utility vehicle drivers use a jeepney as a platform to air their grievances against the government’s transportation agencies and officials during the strike led by the group Manibela in this file photo in October 2023. INQUIRER file photo / LYN RILLON
MANILA, Philippines — Transport group Manibela on Sunday said that its members are all set for Monday’s nationwide transport strike to protest the December 31 deadline for public utility vehicle (PUV) operators to surrender their individual franchises and consolidate into cooperatives.
Manibela President Mar Valbuena expressed hope that this time around, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. will heed their calls.
“Sana po ay bago matapos itong linggong ito, mapakinggan po tayo ng Pangulo,” he said in an interview over at SuperRadyo DZBB.
(We hope that before this week ends, the President will listen to our calls.)
“I hope it doesn’t lead to any turmoil because we don’t want to inconvenience the commuters,” Valbuena added in Filipino.
According to Manibela’s President, their previous transport strike in November was unfruitful.
READ: Transport group Manibela joins transport strike
“The only thing that they (Department of Transportation) gave us was a headache because they said that starting January 1, our franchises would be revoked if we choose not to consolidate,” Valbuena lamented.
“This action of the government is a headache for the entire nation,” he continued.
Manibela and other transport groups said in previous statements and interviews that the government’s PUV modernization program, which entails consolidating operators’ franchises, will inconvenience not only the transport sector but commuters as well.
READ: Piston asks commuters to understand why it is holding transport strike
According to another transport group, Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (Piston), commuters will inevitably shoulder the costs of the new modern units that will replace the traditional jeepneys.
In a separate statement, Piston said that it is eyeing to file a petition before the supreme court to stop the December 31 deadline for franchise consolidation.
READ: Piston eyes SC relief on PUV co-op deadline
Manibela will be joined by Piston and other transport organizations in the December 18 to December 29 strike.
“My fellow drivers, let us stay strong, let’s not give up on being heard by the President,” Valbuena added.