Strike against jeepney phaseout ends after Malacañang meeting with transport groups
A transport group has announced the end of their strike against the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board’s jeepney modernization program following a discussion at the Malacañang Palace.
MANIBELA made the announcement on Facebook late Tuesday, March 7, showing a photo taken during their meeting with officials like Presidential Communications Office Secretary Cheloy Garafil, who used to work as LTRFB chair.
“Mananatili ang tinaguriang hari ng kalsada at UV! Walang phaseout! Balik byahe na po tayo,” the transport group wrote. It also noted in a separate post that jeepney and UV express trips will be back on Wednesday, March 8.
In an official statement, the PCO welcomed their decision to put the protest to an end only a few days into the strike. “Ikinalulugod ng pamahalaan ang naging desisyon ng MANIBELA Transport Group na itigil ang isinasagawang transport strike ngayong linggo na ipinatupad kaugnay sa kanilang pagtutol sa implementasyon ng public utility vehicle modernization program,” it said.
The LTFRB, for its part, likewise welcomed the move and noted that they are open to a “continuing dialogue.”
“We have never wavered in asking our friends from MANIBELA and PISTON to sit down with us, to thresh out their concerns about the PUVMP and the modernization of the public transportation industry. We are glad they listened to our President,” LTFRB Chairman Teofilo E. Guadiz said.
He added that they can work together to put forward a public transportation modernization program that is effective as well as “responsive and inclusive not only of their needs but also that of the commuting public, who will ultimately benefit from a modernized, progressive, efficient, comfortable and safe commuting experience.”
Guadiz expressed their openness to continue with their talks on the matter for the good of the commuting public. “Mananatili pong bukas ang aking tanggapan sa LTFRB, sa tulong na rin ng DOTr, kung saan maaari tayong mag-usap ng masinsinan kung paano pa mas mapapabuti ang PUVMP at kung paano makakasunod ang ating mga drayber at operator sa programa.”
“Naniniwala po ang LTFRB na walang sigalot o di pagkaka-intindihan na hindi malulutas basta’s mag-uusap, magtutulong-tulong, magsasama-sama, at magkakaisa,” he continued.
The transport strike was initially planned to end on Sunday, March 12, with over 40,000 jeepney and UV express drivers expected to protest the planned phaseout of traditional jeepneys this year. Mayors in Metro Manila offered “libreng sakay” to commuters when it began on March 6, while the Department of Interior and Local Government deployed service patrols to accommodate the lack of transportation.
President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, Jr. previously said he agreed with the aim of the program, but raised the need to review its implementation plans.