MANILA — This coming Monday (16 October 2023), the Manibela-led nationwide transport strike will proceed as planned despite the decision of seven other transport groups not to participate.

Mar Valbuena, the president of the Malayang Alyansa ng Bus Employees at Laborers Para sa Karapatan sa Paggawa (Manibela), reaffirmed their commitment to the strike in opposition to the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).

Valbuena cited the looming December 31 deadline as a driving force for their decision.

However, leaders of the Liga ng Transportasyon at Operators sa Pilipinas, Pasang Masda, Stop and Go Transport Coalition, Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide, Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines, Alliance of Concerned Transport Organizations, and Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association announced that their members will not join the strike.

They believe the strike will exacerbate the challenges faced by the transportation sector.

Notably, the recantation of Jefferson Tumbado, the former executive assistant of Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) chairperson Teofilo Guadiz III, on allegations of corruption has not influenced the decision to proceed with the strike.

Tumbado withdrew his accusations and issued apologies to Guadiz, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, and the Office of the President for his earlier claims.

In support of Guadiz’s leadership, the seven transport groups released a manifesto. Some schools across the country have opted for online classes on Monday in anticipation of the strike, and certain local government units will provide “libreng sakay” or free ride services.

The PUVMP consolidation deadline has seen multiple extensions, moving from December 2021 to June 2022, then to March 2023, June 2023, and finally to December 31, 2023.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) plans to deploy personnel to areas where protests are expected to maintain law and order and provide security. PNP mobility assets will also be on standby to offer “Libreng Sakay” if needed.

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan emphasized that allegations of corruption within the LTFRB should not obstruct the implementation of infrastructure projects for the transport sector.

He noted that these projects have already progressed through various stages of implementation and identification, as outlined in the Public Investment Programs within the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) for 2023-2028.

(ai/mnm)