NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Transport Strike Grips Metro Manila
Photo credit: MANIBELA
The bustling streets of Metro Manila fell eerily silent today as the Manibela group, representing jeepney drivers and operators, launched a nationwide transport strike.
The strike has already resulted in the suspension of classes in various areas within and outside Metro Manila, affecting numerous commuters and passengers.
The local government of Quezon City initiated the "QC Bus Libreng Sakay ng Lungsod Quezon" program. Free bus services are now operational in terminals at Philcoa, Litex, and Araneta E. Rodriguez.
Manibela alleges that the government is out to gain control over the transportation sector, particularly the iconic jeepney industry. In the group’s statement, they said that the government's strategy involves phasing out traditional jeeps, leaving citizens with no alternatives but to rely on the government-controlled modern jeepneys, largely imported from China.
"The government's plan seems to revolve around gaining control over the transportation sector, specifically the jeepney industry. By convincing jeepney drivers and operators to phase out the traditional jeeps, they aim to eliminate competition. To do this, they replaced the whole jeep that was made from China and once traditional jeepneys are gone, there won't be any alternatives," Manibela spokesperson stated.
The group argues that this could lead to a monopoly on modern jeepneys, allowing the government to dictate higher prices, leaving ordinary Filipino workers, particularly those with lower wages, burdened by increased transportation costs.
In a solidarity statement, the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) expressed support for the transport strike and demanded a thorough review of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program. They also called for an investigation into corruption within the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
The All UP Academic Employees Union - Los Baños joined forces with the drivers and operators, urging the UPLB Administration to implement measures ensuring the well-being and safety of its employees, many of whom are commuters from various cities and municipalities.
The strike has already resulted in the suspension of classes in various areas within and outside Metro Manila, affecting numerous commuters and passengers.
The local government of Quezon City initiated the "QC Bus Libreng Sakay ng Lungsod Quezon" program. Free bus services are now operational in terminals at Philcoa, Litex, and Araneta E. Rodriguez.
Manibela alleges that the government is out to gain control over the transportation sector, particularly the iconic jeepney industry. In the group’s statement, they said that the government's strategy involves phasing out traditional jeeps, leaving citizens with no alternatives but to rely on the government-controlled modern jeepneys, largely imported from China.
"The government's plan seems to revolve around gaining control over the transportation sector, specifically the jeepney industry. By convincing jeepney drivers and operators to phase out the traditional jeeps, they aim to eliminate competition. To do this, they replaced the whole jeep that was made from China and once traditional jeepneys are gone, there won't be any alternatives," Manibela spokesperson stated.
The group argues that this could lead to a monopoly on modern jeepneys, allowing the government to dictate higher prices, leaving ordinary Filipino workers, particularly those with lower wages, burdened by increased transportation costs.
In a solidarity statement, the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) expressed support for the transport strike and demanded a thorough review of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program. They also called for an investigation into corruption within the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
The All UP Academic Employees Union - Los Baños joined forces with the drivers and operators, urging the UPLB Administration to implement measures ensuring the well-being and safety of its employees, many of whom are commuters from various cities and municipalities.
Oct 16, 2023
