As the Pinag Isang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operators (PISTON) concluded their three-day strike in Mendiola on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, the commuting public faces continued challenges securing transportation along Taft Ave in Manila (featured images).

Adding to the transport disruption, the Manibela group rolled out a similar activity, extending the momentum of the strike until Friday, November 24, 2023. President Mar Valbuena of Manibela anticipates substantial participation of 150,000 to 200,000 drivers in the nationwide strike, encompassing UV and shuttle drivers.

Both organizations strongly oppose the imposed December 31, 2023, deadline for jeepney operators to consolidate. They are also expressing their dissent against the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).

(Benjamin Cuaresma/ai/mnm)

By Junex Doronio & Liezelle Soriano

CLAIMING THAT SOME CORRUPT INSIDERS in Malacañang don’t want to resolve the issues facing the transportation sector, the Malayang Alyansa ng Bus Employees at Laborers (MANIBELA) on Sunday suddenly canceled its supposed meeting in Malacañang and vowed to push through with the planned transport strike on Monday, October 16.

MANIBELA president Mar Valbuena said he personally requested to cancel the meeting due to issues with certain “corrupt people” whom he did not identify.

“May mga taong ayaw maayos ito at baka mabuking ang kanilang mga kalokohan. Tsaka ko na sasabihin [kung sino sila], malapit na. Mga corrupt talaga ito,” he said when interviewed on Super Radyo dzBB.

The planned jeepney strike on Monday, October 16, is in protest against the “phasing out” of jeepneys and alleged corruption in the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

MANIBELA’s transport strike intends to hit about 600 routes throughout Luzon, with 150 jeepneys affected per route.

However, seven transport groups, including Pasang Masda and PISTON, have agreed with the government not to participate in the strike.

Valbuena claimed that their supposed Sunday meeting in Malacañang was “sabotaged”.

“‘Yun lang ang nabalitaan na may meeting, hinarang na. Sangkot siguro ‘to sa anomalya. Kilala ko sila, binanggit sa’kin. Pero hindi ko muna sasabihin… Ako na nag-request na mag-cancel kung ganoon ang isyu nila,” he said.

As this developed, some local government units (LGUs) and schools in Metro Manila have already announced Sunday the suspension of face-to-face classes on Monday due to the impending nationwide transtrike.

The list of LGUs:

Cabuyao, Laguna
Calamba, Laguna
Santa Rosa, Laguna
Pampanga

Universities and colleges

Adamson University
De La Salle University – Manila campus
Far Eastern University Manila and Makati campuses
FEU High School
National University – Manila: shift to synchronous learning
National University-Nazareth School
San Beda University – Rizal and Manila campuses: Integrated Basic Education Department (IBED) to shift to online classes
San Sebastian College – Recoletos Manila:
University of the East – Caloocan and Manila campuses
University of Santo Tomas

(ai/mnm)