Manibela starts nationwide transport strike against PUV modernization

Transport group MANIBELA began a three-day nationwide transport strike on Wednesday, November 22, to protest the government's Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) Modernization Program.

The strike involved members from various regions and was supported by other transport groups Pasang Masda and FEJODAP in different areas across Quezon City, Parañaque, Navotas, Cavite, Laguna, and Batangas.

MANIBELA's president Mar Valbuena stated that around 150,000 units of PUVs are expected to join the protest, with a caravan starting at UP Diliman and ending at Welcome Rotonda in Quezon Avenue.

The group opposes the requirement by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) for them to join transport cooperatives under the PUVMP due to high costs.

MANIBELA's strike follows a similar three-day protest by Piston from November 20 to 22 involving up to 10,000 jeepney drivers in the Camanava area.