MMDA monitors Manibela transport strike; free rides on standby

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is strictly monitoring the transport strike launched by Manibela to ensure that stranded passengers will be assisted if needed.

The agency’s Public Information Office (PIO) said the Multi-Agency Command Center (MACC) is in charge of monitoring the strike across Metro Manila. It added that the MMDA is coordinating with local government units and other government agencies, and that free-ride vehicles have been prepositioned for possible deployment.

“As much as possible, hindi magpapalabas ng libreng sakay para hindi kami maging kakumpitensya nung mga bumibiyahe na jeepney drivers,” the PIO said.

Manibela began its transport strike at 6 a.m. Tuesday, with an estimated 20,000 jeepneys not plying routes across the capital region. The three-day strike covers Metro Manila and several provinces, protesting what the group calls the unfair and oppressive implementation of the government’s Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).

The strike aims to pressure the government to halt franchise consolidation and reopen negotiations with affected drivers and operators. The group argued that thousands of jeepney drivers could be displaced if consolidation proceeds without adequate financial assistance.

“Since the months of May, June and July, we have been tasked to have our vehicles inspected and to get insurance in order to have our vehicles registered,” Manibela chair Mar Valbuena said. “They made us pay, they made us go back and forth. The only ones who gained from this are the inspection centers and insurance companies.”

Launched in 2017, the Public Transport Modernization Program seeks to phase out old jeepneys and replace them with units equipped with engines that meet at least the Euro 4 emissions standard.

Manibela has also criticized delays in the processing and registration of affected vehicles. The group noted penalties reportedly reaching more than P12,000 in many cases, often accompanied by driver’s license suspensions and demerit points.

The group further claimed that bribery and an entrenched “payola system” involving Land Transportation Office enforcers have worsened. It also cited the slow release of vehicle registrations, saying many drivers and operators have already settled the required fees but are still waiting for their documents.