Transport strike may extend as Manibela accuses govt of inaction

Manibela, led by chairman Mar Valbuena, is considering extending their three-day transport strike until Friday, citing the government's perceived lack of urgency in addressing their demands.

Valbuena criticized the Department of Transportation (DOTr) for its belated call for a dialogue, which he claims was only made after the strike commenced and initially involved a representative instead of Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon.

The transport group, which occupied lanes on EDSA causing traffic slowdowns, accuses the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) of falsifying data related to the Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP).

Manibela is advocating for the suspension of the public utility vehicle modernization program (PUVMP) and the continued operation of unconsolidated jeepney operators and drivers.

Personnel from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) engaged in a scuffle with Manibela-affiliated jeepney drivers when the group gathered outside the DOTr office without a rally permit.