Manibela starts 3-day transport strike

Members of transport group Samahang Manibela, Mananakay at Nagkaisang Terminal ng Transportasyon or Manibela started their three-day transport strike along Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City on Monday.

Public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and operators belonging to the group gathered at Philcoa on Commonwealth Avenue early Monday morning, according to a report by Allan Gatus on Dobol B TV.

Among the concerns they raised are the apprehensions being done by the Special Action and Intelligence Committee for Transportation (SAICT) on traditional jeepney drivers.

The group lamented the alleged strictness of SAICT since the latter would apprehend PUV drivers and give them citation tickets even if their documents were complete.

They also said the fines as a result of the apprehensions were too steep for PUV drivers and operators.

Manibela has opposed the government's Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP).

Started in 2017, the PTMP — formerly the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) — aims to replace traditional jeepneys with vehicles that have at least a Euro 4-compliant engine to lessen pollution. It also aims to replace units that are not deemed roadworthy.

A modern jeepney unit costs over P2 million, an amount that even state-run banks LandBank and Development Bank of the Philippines said was too expensive for PUV drivers and operators.

The consolidation of individual PUV franchises into cooperatives or corporations is the initial stage of the modernization program. Unconsolidated units are considered colorum.

Meanwhile, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority traffic enforcers were seen near the protest area on Monday morning to ensure the smooth flow of traffic.

As of 6:30 a.m., there were many buses, jeepneys, e-jeepneys, and taxis seen plying Commonwealth Avenue to service commuters. —KG, GMA Integrated News