Manibela ends 2-day strike after gov't appeals

Transport group Manibela ended its two-day nationwide strike on Thursday afternoon, September 18, 2025, after appeals from the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), and Land Transportation Office (LTO).

The strike, which began on Wednesday, September 17, protested alleged corruption in the government's use of fuel excise taxes and unmet promises.

Manibela chair Mar Valbuena alleged that fuel excise taxes are being misused by officials and contractors for personal gain.

LTFRB Chairman Teofilo Guadiz III acknowledged that commuters were struggling to find transportation and urged the group to stop the protest.

An estimated 160,000 jeepney drivers participated in the strike's first day, forcing several classes in Metro Manila to shift to online learning.

Other transport groups warned that entrenched corruption in state agencies is driving up costs and eroding livelihoods, urging the government to act against alleged payoffs and extortion schemes in the sector.

The coalition stated that corruption has exacerbated the burden of rising fuel prices, inadequate subsidies for public transportation, poor infrastructure, and policies considered anti-poor, such as the oil deregulation law and the planned phaseout of traditional jeepneys.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) reported no untoward incidents during the strikes, with Acting PNP Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. stating their assistance to keep protests peaceful.

Two more major anti-corruption rallies are scheduled for Sunday, September 21, which marks the 53rd anniversary of the declaration of martial law.