Transport group Manibela’s latest attempt to hold the riding public hostage fizzled out on Monday before it could even make a dent on the morning commute. The much-hyped three-day strike was supposed to paralyze transportation, but instead it left its own members stranded — searching for relevance in a world that has, quite frankly, moved on.

The government, to its credit, didn’t sit idly by. Anticipating yet another disruptive stunt, it fielded alternative transport options, deploying buses and maximizing train capacity. Some schools suspended classes, further blunting the strike’s impact. In a twist that Manibela didn’t see coming, jeepney drivers who refused to join the strike struggled to find passengers. There were simply too many untaken seats thanks to the government’s proactive action.

Never one to let reality get in the way of a good protest, Manibela went ahead and posted photos of supposedly stranded passengers — anecdotal snapshots that barely showed the bigger picture. The truth? The strike’s impact was minimal at best, a far cry from the chaos its organizers had promised.

But let’s talk about the numbers. Manibela accused the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) of manipulating consolidation figures. The LTFRB clarified that 86 percent of franchised units had applied for consolidation — not necessarily completed it, but initiated the process. Of those, 43 percent have fully complied. That means consolidation is happening, just not at the pace or under the conditions that a noisy few want.

So, the real question is: Who actually is twisting the facts? If opposition to the PUV Modernization Program is as widespread as Manibela claims, why do we see major transport groups like Pasang Masda, ALTODAP, ACTO and Busina supporting the program instead of staging strikes? The answer is simple: most transport leaders recognize that modernization is necessary and inevitable, even if the financial terms need improvement.

And that’s where the real conversation should be. The modernization program is not perfect. The cost of modern jeepneys — hovering at over P2 million per unit — is undeniably steep. While state-run banks offer financing options, many small operators remain skeptical about the long-term viability of taking on such a financial burden.

The real debate should be about improving financing mechanisms, ensuring that drivers and operators won’t be buried in unsustainable debt, and making modernization accessible — not about clinging to outdated, unsafe vehicles.

The Department of Transportation has made it clear that it is open to dialogue. Secretary Vince Dizon has invited transport leaders to the table, emphasizing that changes can be made to address valid concerns. But here’s the caveat: discussions must be based on reason, not coercion. Holding the public hostage through strikes should never be rewarded. If anything, it should be called out for what it is — an outdated, ineffective form of protest that punishes commuters more than it pressures policymakers.

Modernization is happening, and it needs to happen. The Philippines is lagging far behind its neighbors in upgrading public transport. Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam have all moved forward with modernization programs that have improved safety, efficiency, and environmental impact.

However, their governments also played a more active role in funding and easing the transition. The Philippines must learn from their examples — not to delay modernization but to refine it so that no one is left behind in the process.

At the end of the day, Manibela’s strike wasn’t about protecting drivers or commuters. It was about making noise, grasping for relevance, and trying to force the government’s hand. And it failed. The public has spoken — not with slogans or placards, but by simply refusing to be inconvenienced.

Modernization is inevitable. The only real question left for Manibela is whether its few members want a seat at the table or if they’d rather be left behind, much like the outdated jeepneys they so desperately want to keep on the road.