Several commuters were left stranded on the streets of Metro Manila on Tuesday morning after transport group Manibela began its three-day strike, which it said ‘paralyzed’ the public transportation sector in the region.
The organization apologized for inconveniencing the riding public—which included students and workers—but insisted that this action was necessary so the government would listen to their appeals.
“Paumanhin po sa ating mga mahal na mananakay wala pong byahe ngayon (Sorry to our dear passengers. No trips today),” Manibela said in one of its Facebook posts with attached images of commuters waiting for public vehicles on the road.
While they feel bad for the passengers, Manibela placed the blame on the government. They claimed that agencies such as the Department of Transportation (DOTR), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), and Land Transportation Office (LTO) don’t care about their sector.
“Dulot ito ng pagmamalabis sa kayabangan ng DOTR, LTFRB at LTO pero kulang sa malasakit at pag intindi sa mamamayang Pilipino (This is caused by the excessive arrogance of the DOTR, LTFRB and LTO that lack concern and understanding for the Filipino people),” the group said.
In Manila, members of Manibela held picket signs, urging government agencies to grant their appeal for a five-year franchise. In Quezon City, private vehicles and motorcycles outnumbered public utility jeepneys (PUJs) during the morning rush hour along Philcoa and the Commonwealth Avenue.
The striking jeepney drivers renewed their calls against the planned phaseout of traditional PUJs for the public transport modernization program. They also denounced excessive penalties, alleged extortion, and slow processing of documents.
The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), however, downplayed Day 1 of Manibela’s transport strike and said it has “no effect” on the passengers, adding that traffic situation across the region remained “normal.” The DOTR, LTO, and LTFRB have yet to issue their respective responses.
