Manibela chairman Mar Valbuena on Friday said the government and pro-Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP) groups should respect the decision of jeepney operators and drivers who opted not to consolidate their units.  

 According to Valbuena, the Senate resolution calling for the suspension of the implementation of PTMP applies only to those who did not consolidate their PUJ.   

PH transport groups hold protest vs. PUV modernization

"Hindi naman sila apektado ng Senate resolution, bakit sila 'yung kahol ng kahol ngayon? Malaya naman silang ipagpatuloy 'yung kanilang pagmo-modernize. Sana naman irespeto nila 'yung ating mga hinaing at sana naman ay maging patas ang ating gobyerno - ang DOTR at ang LTFRB,” Valbuena said.   

Manibela staged the last day of its transport strike in 12 different protest centers in Metro Manila and nearby provinces. These include Monumento and Bagong Silang in Caloocan City, Muñoz Market in Quezon City, Parañaque City near Gatchalian Street, Pasig Market, Gulod Novaliches, Alabang Muntinlupa, Quirino Hi-way in Las Piñas City, Philcoa in Quezon City, Punta Sta Ana in Manila, Dasmarinas Cavite and in Angono Hi-way in Rizal province.   

Marcos shuns Senate call to suspend PUV modernization program 

Valbuena believes a transport strike is the only way to send the right message to the government.   

“Bilang pagsuporta ito sa Senate resolution 1096 pa rin, malinaw naman na 'yung suspensyon para sa hinaing ng transport na hirap doon sa pagpapatupad ng PUVMP dahil sa tinututulang consolidation ng ating prangkisa at doon sa napakamahal na bulok na ginawa tayong basurahan ng modern units na galing ng China,” he said.