Manibela may extend transport strike

MANILA, Philippines — The three-day transport strike launched by Manibela may be extended until tomorrow due to what it claimed was the government’s lack of urgency in addressing the group’s demands.

Manibela chairman Mar Valbuena criticized the Department of Transportation (DOTr) for its belated call for a dialogue – made only after the group had launched the strike.

He said the DOTr sent only a representative for a dialogue initially set for tomorrow.

Valbuena said they preferred to have Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon face them directly in a dialogue.

Valbuena said unconsolidated jeepney operators and drivers should be allowed to operate.

He said the implementation of the public utility vehicle modernization program (PUVMP) should be suspended.

Manibela had accused the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board of falsifying the consolidation data of PUVs.

MMDA, Manibela  in scuffle

Personnel of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) figured in a scuffle with jeepney drivers affiliated with Manibela yesterday.

Over 100 members of Manibela gathered in front of the DOTr’s office in San Juan to protest the phaseout of traditional jeepneys.

MMDA Special Operations Group head Gabriel Go said the scuffle began when his team issued violation tickets due to Manibela’s failure to present a rally permit.

Videos showed some members of the transport group hitting a traffic enforcer on the head, while others threw water bottles at MMDA personnel. – EJ Macababbad