8,000 joining transport protest today – Manibela

MANILA, Philippines — Around 8,000 jeepney drivers and operators will join today’s protest in front of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board against the extension of applications for the public utility vehicle modernization program (PUVMP) by the LTFRB.

Transport group Manibela is also protesting the unabated oil price hikes.

Another round of petroleum price increases is expected tomorrow.

Manibela president Mar Valbuena said the LTFRB issued memorandum circular 2024-043, allowing the extension of PUVMP applications until December this year.

“The Department of Transportation and the LTFRB remain deaf to our appeal to extend our franchises and registration so that we can continue to operate and provide services to commuters,” Valbuena told The STAR yesterday.

He debunked the LTFRB’s claim that the consolidation rate under the new PUVMP system reached 86 percent by the end of 2024. He asserted that 6,000 PUV operators withdrew from the program.

“That’s a lie. Several PUV operators are withdrawing from the cooperatives as they cannot afford the huge fees. Some were prevented from leaving the cooperatives,” Valbuena said. “At least 6,000 (drivers and operators) withdrew their membership. Some of these are not members of Manibela.”

Manibela and another transport group, the Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide, have been opposing the PUVMP.

Valbuena said those who want to leave the cooperatives include drivers and operators in Metro Manila, Calabarzon and Western Visayas.

He said the mobilization will also be held in Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Baguio, Pangasinan, La Union, Isabela, Cagayan Valley, Puerto Princesa in Palawan, Bacolod, Iloilo, Cebu, Ormoc, Tacloban,  Cagayan de Oro City, Iligan, Bukidnon, CARAGA region, Pagadian City and General Santos City.