Screengrab from MANIBELA press conference

Members of the Manibela transport group, spearheaded by its president Mar Valbuena, have declared their opposition to the government's jeepney modernization program.

Valbuena announced a three-day transport strike set to commence tomorrow, Wednesday, and persist until Friday, November 24, 2023.

This development comes on the heels of the ongoing transport strike led by PISTON, now in its second day.

Both transport groups are pushing back against the government's year-end consolidation deadline for the jeepney modernization program, citing concerns about the economic burden this transition places on operators and drivers.

Valbuena emphasized the financial challenges faced by jeepney operators and drivers, particularly those with smaller fleets, in complying with the modernization requirements.

Meanwhile, PISTON is currently in the midst of its second day of a transport strike that commenced earlier this week. The group is echoing similar concerns about the jeepney modernization program, highlighting the need for a more inclusive and considerate approach by government authorities.

Both transport groups argue that the government's year-end consolidation deadline for the jeepney modernization program does not adequately address the financial challenges faced by operators.

Both Manibela and PISTON call for a meaningful dialogue with government agencies, particularly the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

The transport groups advocate for a reevaluation of the modernization program to ensure that it aligns with the economic realities faced by jeepney operators and drivers.