Transport group Manibela ended its supposed three-day transport strike on the second day after the group said government transport agencies committed to address its long-standing complaints.
Manibela said the transport strike “succeeded in gaining attention and promises of action from government agencies.” The group added that during the protest, “a series of dialogues were held with the LTO, LTFRB, and DOTr.”
According to Manibela, the early termination of the strike followed a closed-door meeting on December 10 with officials of the Department of Transportation, the Land Transportation Office, and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board. The group said the agencies delivered specific commitments that prompted them to resume operations.
Manibela said the agreements include releasing long-delayed jeepney plates and drivers’ licenses for affected operators. The group added that agencies also committed to issuing a new memorandum extending the validity of Provisional Authorities and speeding up vehicle registration processes. Manibela further said officials promised an investigation into personnel accused of taking bribes and illegally selling Provisional Authority slots to Transportation Network Vehicle Service applicants.
The group thanked participants of the strike “for sacrificing their time and livelihood” to call the government’s attention to the issues the sector is facing.
Manibela said its strike began on December 9 due to alleged abuses against jeepney drivers, particularly the “unjust demerit point system, the non-renewal of franchises, and the entrenched ‘payola culture’ inside transport agencies.”
Manibela said its talks with transport agencies led to the end of the strike and the postponement of a protest originally scheduled at the DOTr.
