The Government has welcomed the decision of MANIBELA Transport Group to end their transport strike this week, which was launched in protest of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).

The President has instructed the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to use the deadline extension until December 31, 2023, to reassess the provisions of the Omnibus Franchising Guidelines (OFG) under Department Order No. 2017-011.

Malacanang said this is to ensure that every aspect of the program's implementation, including hearing the grievances of our drivers and operators, are considered.

According to the President's directive, the DOTr and the LTFRB will conduct extensive consultations to ensure that the PUVMP is implemented more efficiently and effectively, with the center of the program being our drivers, operators, and especially our commuters. In the end, the government and our public transportation sector have the same goal—to provide safe, convenient, and efficient service to every passenger.