Jeepney group Manibela extends strike until Friday

Jeepney group Manibela announced on Tuesday that it plans to extend its transport strike until Friday instead of the original three-day plan.

The government stated that the group failed to paralyze public transportation during the first two days of the strike, prompting Valbuena, chairman of Manibela, to criticize the Department of Transportation (DOTr) for lacking urgency.

Valbuena wants Secretary Vince Dizon himself to initiate a dialogue and provide a definite schedule for negotiations, expressing distrust in previous DOTr officials who did not deliver on promises.

Before entering into talks, Valbuena has set conditions that unconsolidated jeepney operators and drivers should be allowed to operate freely during the negotiations period.

Dizon is currently meeting with transport groups individually, including pro-modernization camp leaders who welcomed his commitment to the program but requested expedited route rationalization.