What you need to know about the transport strike happening from Dec. 9 to 11
Transport group Manibela is pushing through with its three-day transport strike from Dec. 9 to 11, in which it will call out delays in the processing of government documents and the supposed escalating penalties.
In a statement shared on its Facebook page, the group acknowledged reports stating President Ferdinand Marcos has directed the Department of Transportation to "look into" the concerns raised by drivers and operators. However, it said that its protest would still continue.
"Matagal na naming idinadaing ang panggigipit," Manibela chairman Mar Valbuena said, adding that PUV drivers have allegedly been subjected to sudden license suspensions and demerit points that "feel punitive rather than corrective."
The group also alleged that the "payola system," or bribery, among enforcers has worsened.
Valbuena also lamented how drivers are unable to work because the required documents for franchise renewals remain stuck in "bureaucratic limbo."
“[Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board] at [Land Transporation Office] mismo ang hindi makapaglabas ng dokumento, pero kami ang pinagmumulta. Kung ito ba’y hindi pang-aapi, ano na ang tawag natin dito?”
Manibela previously said that the transport strike will be held nationwide, not just in Metro Manila.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said on Dec. 5 that Marcos has ordered the DOTr to review the transport group's concerns.
"Kung mayroon naman po talagang batayan ang kanilang reklamo, dapat po itong masolusyunan kaagad," she said.
Castro also called on the group to reconsider their plans to mount the three-day protest, as it would affect commuters.
“Alam naman po natin, Christmas season, baka naman po puwedeng Pamasko na ninyo at mapag-usapan na lang po kung anuman iyong mga hinaing nila, pag-usapan po para maresolba agad."
For LTO's part, the transport authority's Assec. Markus Lacanilao said that it is merely enforcing the law and challenged Manibela to identify traffic enforcers linked to the alleged payola system.
Meanwhile, acting DOTr Sec. Giovanni Lopez told Super Radyo DZBB that he is awaiting Lacanilao's recommendations to settle the issue.
"Sabi ko, iprayoridad 'yung mga kawani na may alegasyon na ganito... Kung may ebidensya, tanggalin agad."
He also called on Manibela to rethink the three-day protest.