Transport strike on Oct. 16 still pushing through —MANIBELA

The transport strike of MANIBELA is still set to push through on Monday, according to the group's president, Mar Valbuena. 

In an interview on Super Radyo dzBB on Saturday, Valbuena said meetings with members will take place today regarding their planned strike against the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board's (LTFRB) deadline for the consolidation of traditional jeepneys as part of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).

"Sabi nga po namin, kung di kami mapapakinggan, talagang tuloy po eto. Kasi yung dati tigil pasada lang, eto pupunta talaga kami sa Malacañang, kasama ang aming mga unit at doon kami magpapahayag ng aming hinaing," said Valbuena. 

The transport group, however, said anything is still possible, especially if they will be able to come up with an agreement with the government before Monday. 

"Basta ang sabi ko lang, may mapagkasunduan muna tayo, kung ano man ang magiging desisyon namin bago po dumating yung araw ng lunes.. Kasi nung unag striike namim, may napagusapan lang po pero walang nangyari," Valbuena said.

Jeepney drivers and operators are required to join or form cooperatives under the PUV modernization program, which aims to replace traditional jeepneys with vehicles powered by more environment-friendly fuels until December 31, 2023.

Several transport groups already held a rally in July against the PUV Modernization program. It was cut short after President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos assured them that its implementation will be reviewed.

"Sa loob ng ilang buwan na sabi ng Pangulo pagaralan kasama kami, ni minsan hindi kami naimbita dito," he added.

"Yung sa kahandaan po na mawalan kami ng hanap buhay hindi kami handa diyan, pero yung protesta namin, handang handa na po kami." —VAL, GMA Integrated News