Manibela sets protest vs DOTr unit

PHOTO BY MARY JOY SALCEDO/INQUIRER.NET

MANILA, Philippines — Transport group Manibela will hold a strike from Oct. 13 to Oct. 15 in protest against the Department of Transportation-Special Action and Intelligence Committee for Transportation (DOTr-SAICT).

Manibela claimed that the DOTr-SAICT has been brutal towards drivers despite them following the committee’s rules.

“This is due to the continuous pressure and torture by the DOTr-SAICT on drivers who, even though their vehicles or units are complete and in good condition, are still being ticketed and fined heavily,” Manibela reasoned.

READ: Manibela cuts strike short Thursday after gov’t, people’s pleas

The transport strike will begin at 12 a.m. on Monday, and a protest rally is also set to happen at 6 a.m. on the same day at the Petron-Commonwealth Avenue, Philcoa, Quezon City.

“The head of DOTr-SAICT, Assistant Secretary Tracker Lim, is the husband of DUMPER (Drivers United for Mass Progress and Equal Rights) Partylist Representative Claudine Bautista Lim, who should be taking care of and helping the basic problems of drivers and operators, but instead is just letting the drivers belittle and make them suffer,” Manibela said.

Manibela, while acknowledging the need for roadworthiness, also hoped that it is not “used as a tool to abuse small drivers who don’t make a lot.”

The group previously alleged that the DOTr-SAICT has been apprehending jeepney operators without proper justification.

Due to these arrests, the group tagged as “antipoor,” drivers and operators, are purportedly forced to use their earnings to pay the fine. /cb