President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to conduct a thorough and urgent review of the issues raised by the transport group MANIBELA (Malayang Alyansa ng Bus Employees at Laborers para sa Karapatan sa Paggawa). The presidential directive aims to promptly address grievances that directly impact the livelihood of the group’s members and their families.
The Palace emphasized the administration’s firm commitment to dialogue as the primary means to resolve the matter and avert a planned nationwide transport strike.
In a Palace briefing on Friday, Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro confirmed the President’s order to the DOTr leadership.
“The DOTr leadership has been instructed to carefully examine the concerns of the MANIBELA group,” Castro stated. “This needs to be resolved. If there is indeed a basis to their complaints, these should be addressed immediately.”
The Marcos administration reiterated its open-door policy, assuring the transport sector that it is ready for a sit-down discussion with MANIBELA officials to find constructive solutions.
MANIBELA has announced plans to hold a three-day transport strike beginning December 9 to protest issues concerning:
Alleged Delays in Government Document Processing: Specifically, issues with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and delays in the release of jeepney registration papers.
Supposed High Penalties and Extortion: The group has cited escalating fines and alleged corruption, which severely burden public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and operators.
Press Officer Castro made a personal appeal to the transport group, highlighting the potential inconvenience to the commuting public, especially during the peak travel season.
Focus on Commuters: The administration urged MANIBELA to consider the welfare of millions of Filipino commuters who rely heavily on public transport.
Christmas Season Appeal: “We are appealing to the MANIBELA group,” Castro said. “It is the Christmas season, perhaps you can consider this as your Christmas gift to the public—let us just discuss your concerns. Let’s talk to resolve this immediately.”
The government’s priority remains the efficient delivery of public services while ensuring a fair and sustainable working environment for the transport sector. The DOTr is expected to move swiftly on the presidential directive to initiate the review and commence dialogue with MANIBELA to prevent any disruption to holiday travel.
