3-day jeepney strike is on; Manibela calls for resignations amid ‘government lies'

Metro Manila, Philippines - A three-day nationwide transport strike led by the group Manibela is set to begin on Monday, aiming to pressure the government over what they call “deception” in the implementation of the jeepney modernization program.

In an interview with NewsWatch Plus, Manibela president Mar Valbuena said protest centers would be set up across Metro Manila and the country, with a major rally at the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) headquarters.

“Magtitipon kami nang maaga sa LTFRB, siguro mga 6 or 7 a.m.,” Valbuena said while in Calamba City, Laguna, rallying support from transport groups.

(TRANSLATION: We'll gather early at the LTFRB, probably around 6 or 7 a.m.)

Valbuena slammed the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and LTFRB, accusing them of distorting figures on the number of jeepney operators who have complied with the franchise consolidation deadline.

"Sinungaling sila. Sabi nasa 43% na ang may final approval ng LTFRB, pero hindi pa nga kalahati ang totoong nakapagpa-consolidate,” he earlier claimed.

(TRANSLATION: They're lying. They claim 43% have final LTFRB approval, but the real number isn't even half that.)

The transport leader also demanded the resignation of key officials, saying, “Wala kayong puwang sa gobyerno. Mag-resign na kayo.”

(TRANSLATION: You have no place in government. Resign now.)

Gov't readies free rides, urges dialogue

In response, the DOTr, LTFRB, and Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) assured the public that additional buses and free rides would be deployed to minimize commuter disruptions.

Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro urged transport groups to negotiate instead of staging a strike.

“Panawagan natin na sana para sa ating mga kababayan na hirap na hirap na sa pang araw araw na pag cocommute ang mga kababayan natin, sana huwag ng mag strike instead sana mag usap na lang muna para maintindihan ng bagong liderato sa DOTr ang mga hinaing nila,” Castro said.

(TRANSLATION: We urge our fellow Filipinos struggling with daily commutes—skip the strike and talk instead. Let the new DOTr leadership hear your concerns.)

However, Valbuena dismissed the free ride program as an admission that the strike would have a significant impact.

Several schools announced class suspensions, citing both the transport strike and extreme heat.

‘So kami ay humihingi ng pang-unawa sa mga mahal na mananakay. Ngayon pa lang hingin nyo baon nyo. Actually, Nagpapasalamat ang marami na online classes tomorrow sila dahil napakainit,” Vabuena said.

(TRANSLATION: "We ask for patience from our dear commuters. Plan ahead and secure your fare and allowance now. Honestly, many are grateful for online classes tomorrow because of the extreme heat.)

The strike is expected to affect thousands of commuters, with authorities closely monitoring its impact.