But government open to changes in PTMP
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Monday said the Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP) will push through even while the government is now open to making some changes in its implementation to address the concerns of transport groups.
This came even as the first day of the transport strike organized by the group Malayang Alyansa ng Bus Employees at Laborers (Manibela) was hardly felt in Metro Manila as well as in the provinces.
“Right now, status quo. Those who are already there [modernization program] will continue to do so and those who still have doubts, we will not force them to come in, but we will listen to them first,” Transport Secretary Vince Dizon said in a press briefing.
“We are not saying stop it. What I am saying is, we need to validate the numbers, those who have consolidated, we need to support them so that modernization can continue, but we need to look at the real situation on the ground and what the government needs to do to make it successful, it should be done,” he added.
“If that means we will not immediately push for nationwide implementation, then I think we will have to make that decision soon,” the transport chief emphasized.
Dizon disclosed that the agency will present “solutions” in two weeks after discussions with two transport groups this week.
“We are absolutely open to changes. This time it would be clearer, we are open to changes. Clearly there are some issues that need to be resolved,” he assured.
Meanwhile, Malacañang called on Manibela to turn its energies towards dialoguing with the DOTr instead of continuing with the transport strike, which it plans to keep up until Wednesday.
“Our only request, as well as Secretary Vince Dizon’s request, is that the leadership of Manibela would please communicate with us first,” Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said on Monday.
“The commuters are innocent and are just caught in the middle,” [But] as of now, our commuters are not yet affected, especially since our government is really prepared,” she added.
As this developed, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said day-one of the planned three-day transport strike had “minimal effect” on commuters’ ability to travel around the National Capital Region (NCR).
Still, MMDA Chairman Don Artes assured that various agencies and local government units are ready with a joint response to the strike in case needed.
A single dispatch system for rescue assets was put in place at the MMDA Command Center, he pointed out.
These assets include buses and vehicles marked with “Libreng Sakay,” which provide assistance to the public from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. along major thoroughfares in the city.
“Our assets, which include those from local government units (LGUs) and agencies like the Coast Guard, are prepositioned. We are not deploying the buses at this time because many jeepney drivers did not join the strike. If we deployed the buses now, the drivers would lose income since riders might take advantage of the free service. That’s why we have a single dispatch system, and we will only send out buses when necessary. All our assets are currently on standby,” Artes explained.
In Cebu City, the local transport sector assured the public it is not joining any transport strike soon, but urged the government for the immediate implementation and a clear and direct policy framework for the PTMP.
“We urge the government to prioritize the establishment of a clear and direct policy framework for the public transport modernization program because in doing so, the modernization program not only support our operations but also enhance the overall efficiency and reliability of public transport for all users,” Federation of Cebu Transport Cooperative (FCTC) chairperson Ellen Maghanoy said this in a press conference Monday.
Maghanoy added that for the past seven years, FCTC has clamored for the full implementation of the transport modernization program and end the old system of the traditional Jeepney operations nationwide to uplift the dignity of the Filipino commuters.
The press conference also laid out the Federation’s support to the leadership of the new LTFRB chairperson, Teofilo Guadiz as FCTC outlined its ongoing initiatives to modernize the transport sector for a more efficient and sustainable future.
“We do not agree with Manibela’s statements protesting alleged false data on the government’s modernization program. Their protest is set to escalate on March 24, 2025. The absence of a cohesive strategy affects our ability to make informed decisions, allocate resources, and ultimately provide reliable service to our community,” FCTC’s media release read.
In Iloilo City, traditional jeepney drivers and operators opposing the PTMP have expressed renewed hope after the new DOTr leadership promised to give the program’s implementation a second look to address its flaws.
The announcement came during a dialogue between Dizon and representatives of the No to PUV (public utility vehicle) Phaseout Coalition on March 21, 2025.
According to coalition convenor Elmer Forro, the meeting was initiated by Dizon’s office and has sparked optimism among stakeholders.
“This is a result of the collective efforts, unity, and sacrifices of drivers and operators. This hope wasn’t voluntarily given by the government; it was earned through our consistent actions and advocacy,” Forro said.
Similarly, it was business as usual and normal in Davao City and in Davao Del Norte as all modes of public transportation were readily available to commuters despite the supposedly nationwide transport strike organized by Manibela.
Terminals in Tagum City were bustling with passengers travelling between Carmen, Panabo and Davao City, slowing down only when heavy rains poured down at noon Monday.