MANIBELA announces 3-day transport strike nationwide starting Dec 9

Transport group MANIBELA announced a nationwide strike from December 9 to 11 to protest alleged systematic harassment and abuses by transportation authorities, including delays in the release of jeepney registration papers.

MANIBELA chairperson Mar Valbuena stated that the strike, initially planned for three days, could potentially be extended depending on developments.

He cited widespread apprehensions, rampant extortion, and a "lagayan" or payola system among some enforcers as reasons for the strike.

The group is also concerned about pressure on unconsolidated PUV drivers and operators to secure provisional authorities, with Valbuena mentioning that penalties for violations can exceed P12,000, along with possible license suspensions and demerit points.