Manibela files complaints vs gov’t agencies over PUV modernization

(Photo courtesy of Manibela Facebook)

MANILA, Philippines — Transport group Manibela filed complaints at the Office of the Ombudsman on Wednesday against four government agencies over the public utility vehicle modernization program.

The government agencies are the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), the Office of Transportation Cooperatives (OTC), and the Office of the Solicitor General.

READ: Piston and Manibela protest in front of Supreme Court

READ: SC orders DOTr, LTFRB to respond to petition vs PUV modernization

According to Manibela chair Mar Valbuena, the agencies violated the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (Republic Act No. 3019) and the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (RA No. 6713).

“Our rights were violated, and our livelihood was deprived,” Valbuena said in Filipino in an interview with reporters.

He noted that the complaints were specifically in violation of Section 3, paragraph (e) of RA 3019 and Section 4 of RA 6713.

“The Ombudsman should quickly rule on this because, under the provision of the Ombudsman law, they should do immediate action in any complaint,” Valbuena’s legal consultant, Homobono Adaza, said.

Meanwhile, Valbuena appealed to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to help the group in its appeal.

“Dear President, we are calling on you. We support your administration, and I hope you will also help us poor drivers and operators,” Valbuena said.