Screengrab from MANIBELA

Looks like another transport strike is brewing. Manibela, a transport group, is set to stage a protest, and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) isn’t ignoring it. In a statement, the agency acknowledged Manibela’s right to voice their concerns but is hoping to resolve the issues through dialogue rather than a full-blown strike.

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista has tapped Assistant Secretary for Road Transport and Non-Infrastructure Dioscoro "Jojo" Reyes to engage in urgent discussions with the transport groups. The goal? Find common ground that keeps commuters safe and comfortable while also looking out for the welfare of drivers and operators.

But in case the strike pushes through, DOTr, the LTFRB, MMDA, and local government units are already rolling out contingency plans. Expect free rides to help ease the inconvenience for stranded passengers.

The agency assures that it’s taking the concerns of the transport sector seriously, with improvements to the Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP) on the table for discussion. A sit-down meeting with all concerned parties is in the works—because, at the end of the day, everyone just wants a better transport system.