Manibela ends strike early after FL appeal

First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos personally appealed to Manibela chairman Mar Valbuena to refrain from staging another transport strike, as the government moves to ease the burden of rising fuel prices on drivers.

“Wag ka na mag-strike (Don’t strike anymore),” Mrs. Marcos urged Valbuena when they met Tuesday at a government rice distribution program for transport workers at the Land Transportation Office Central Office in Quezon City.

“’Di na po (No, ma’am). I love you. Sama-sama po tayo, (All together with) BBM!” Valbuena responded.

The exchange came a day after the Manibela transport group launched a planned three-day strike to protest high fuel prices and demand higher fares, as well as the suspension of the excise and value-added taxes on petroleum products.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the First Lady’s personal appeal helped ease tensions between the government and the transport group, noting the value of direct conversations.

“Sometimes it is really better when people meet personally because the sincerity is felt, and the concerns of those who have doubts are better understood,” Castro said in Filipino.

Castro said Valbuena appeared receptive to Mrs. Marcos’ appeal, although she did not say the encounter alone prompted Manibela to suspend its protest.

Manibela called off its strike on Tuesday, two days earlier than originally planned, after commuters encountered difficulties on the first day of the protest on Monday. Valbuena later said the group had no immediate plans to stage another transport stoppage.

The First Lady made the appeal during the distribution of rice to some 1,000 jeepney and tricycle drivers.

“Your work is not easy. So what we are doing here is just a small thing, but it comes from our heart,” Mrs. Marcos said.

The assistance was provided under the government’s “Bawat Bayan Makikinabang” program, following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to help sectors affected by the high oil prices.

The assistance included rice, free medical checkups and medicines, medical examinations for drivers renewing their licenses, and e-Patrol services for license renewals.

LTO chief Markus Lacanilao said he sought the First Lady’s assistance for transport workers following the latest round of transport strikes.

Castro, however, stressed that the rice distribution was not intended to serve as a substitute for longer term livelihood support.

“The First Lady herself said this is not enough. This is not livelihood assistance,” Castro said, adding that the government was prepared to provide other forms of assistance to drivers and operators.

Meanwhile, another transport group, Piston, started its two-day strike on Tuesday, maintaining its call for lower fuel prices, the removal of fuel taxes, and a higher fare adjustment.