Following their announcement earlier this week, transport groups Manibela and Piston launched a three-day strike on April 15 protesting the government's limited service contracting program. Leaders criticized its narrow scope, while officials prepared aid including free rides, a P5-billion budget, and fuel discounts for affected commuters.
MANILA, Philippines — Building on Monday's announcement, transport groups Manibela and Piston started their strike spanning April 15 to 17, targeting the service contracting program's limited reach of just 1,000 operators and 50,000 PUV units nationwide.
Manibela chairman Mar Valbuena called it ineffective, citing unpaid fees from the Duterte era that could lead to wasted funds. Piston president Mody Floranda echoed concerns, urging removal of fuel taxes and labeling the program a 'band-aid solution' amid rising prices.
In response, the Philippine National Police, under Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., organized free rides and deployed 501 Highway Patrol Group officers. Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez tasked the LTFRB with identifying affected routes and sought P5 billion to serve 15 million passengers.
The Department of Energy introduced a P10-per-liter fuel discount for 171,000 PUV units at 52 Metro Manila stations via Landbank’s app, as detailed by Landbank president Lynette Ortiz and DOE chief Sharon Garin.
The action has drawn support from state university students and PARA Commuters’ Network, with at least 500,000 operators and drivers from Visayas and Mindanao joining, Valbuena said.
