TRANSPORT group MANIBELA will launch a nationwide transport strike from December 9 to 11 to protest what it calls excessive penalties and slow government processing of drivers’ and operators’ documents.

“Sa susunod na linggo, kami ay magkakasa ng tatlong araw na tigil-pasada,” MANIBELA chairperson Mar Valbuena said, noting that the action will be held nationwide and may be extended if needed. “Hindi lamang po ang grupo ng MANIBELA ang magkakasama rito. Nationwide po ito.”

The group criticized authorities for requiring unconsolidated public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and operators to secure provisional authorities despite their status.

“Alam naman ninyo na hindi consolidated itong grupo. Tatanungin niyo pa ng mga provisional authority at kung ano-ano,” Valbuena said.

The protest is tied to frustrations over the Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP), launched in 2017 to replace traditional jeepneys with modern units equipped with Euro 4-compliant engines. Each modern jeepney costs over P2 million — a price that even government banks have noted is difficult for many operators to afford.

MANIBELA also pointed to alleged delays in vehicle registration, saying these issues contribute to the group’s decision to stage the three-day strike.