Manibela to hold three-day nationwide transportation strike starting Dec. 9

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The Manibela transport group has announced a three-day nationwide transportation strike from December 9 to 11 in protest of delays in the release of jeepney registration papers and other alleged irregularities involving the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

According to Manibela Chairperson Mar Valbuena, most jeepney drivers have already complied with requirements for franchise issuance, provisional authority, and vehicle registration. However, despite fulfilling all obligations, many drivers have yet to receive their documents.

Valbuena emphasized that the protest includes not only their organization but various transport groups nationwide.

 “Hindi lamang po ang grupo ng MANIBELA ang magkakasama rito. Nationwide po ito. Tatlong araw na tigil pasada sa ngayon — Martes, Miyerkules, at Huwebes,” he said, highlighting the broad extent of the expected transport disruption.

These delayed registrations have reportedly resulted in the confiscation of drivers’ licenses and fines reaching up to ₱12,000, further burdening drivers who depend on daily income.

Valbuena also called on newly appointed LTO Chief Markus Lacanilao to address the issue, reminding him of earlier assurances that jeepney drivers would be allowed to work without fear of penalties caused by administrative backlogs.

Lacanilao states that the LTO’s role is to enforce the law, especially in cases of driver violations. 

“Makikita ko naman kung talagang may delay. Ang registration sa LTO, mabilis lang ‘yun, within a day kung may magrerehistro. Totoo po ‘yun,” he said.

Manibela further pointed to what they described as a worsening “payola system,” alleging the persistence of bribery involving LTO enforcers.

The three-day strike is expected to significantly affect daily commuters including students who rely heavily on jeepneys for transportation potentially causing delays in class attendance and disruptions to campus activities nationwide.

via John Rey Osumo, Staff Writer