MANILA, Philippines — Transport group Manibela announced that it would stage a protest in response to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s decision to continue the government’s transport program that, among others, phases out traditional jeepneys.
Manibela said Marcos’ comment that the program was postponed seven times and that 80 percent of public utility vehicles (PUVs) nationwide have complied with consolidation requirements under the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) or the Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP) showed a “profound lack of understanding and empathy.”
This has “ignited outrage among thousands of drivers and operators who are struggling under the weight of the modernization program’s stringent requirements,” Manibela said on Wednesday.
“Manibela strongly condemns President Marcos’ disregard for the genuine concerns of the transport sector. The claim that 80 percent of PUVs nationwide have complied with consolidation requirements is starkly at odds with the daily realities faced by drivers and operators. Many are grappling with the fear of losing their livelihoods due to the exorbitant costs associated with modernization,” it added.
The transport group also said it was organizing the strike due to the transport sector’s “frustration and determination to fight for their basic rights and livelihoods.”
“The strike will feature widespread disruptions, signaling our unwavering resolve to secure fair treatment and address the critical issues impacting the transport sector,” the group said.
No date has been set for the strike.
Marcos, speaking to reporters on Wednesday, dismissed the Senate’s resolution, which called for the temporary suspension of the PTMP.
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