MANIBELA protesters extend strike against PTMP

Members of MANIBELA, a transport group, protested at the DOTr office in San Juan City on Wednesday morning against the Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP), extending their strike for a third day.

Around 100 protesters arrived with six jeepneys and held banners reading 'No to jeepney phaseout,' causing traffic congestion along EDSA-Connecticut.

DOTr security officers conducted a briefing with MANIBELA members to ensure safety during the protest and maintain traffic flow, while Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon expressed openness to making changes in the PTMP after discussions with stakeholders within two weeks.

MANIBELA Chairman Mar Valbuena said they are willing to hold talks with Dizon on any day but criticized the government for not addressing their concerns adequately.

Despite the government's claim that the strike has failed to paralyze public transportation, commuters gave mixed impressions about the impact of the protest.