Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) chairman Teofilo Guadiz III got an unlikely ally following the call from seven major transport groups for him to resign allegedly over slow progress of the Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP) and other issues concerning public utility vehicles (PUVs).

In a Facebook post, Manibela reposted a video clip of a press briefing of the Magnificent 7 in Quezon City on Thursday, Oct. 2 showing one of the transport leaders criticizing Guadiz, but with a comment lashing out at the complaining transport groups.

“Guadiz kami! hahaha (We’re for Guadiz),” the post read, apparently taunting the seven transport groups.

“Ngayong hindi maibigay ang gusto niyo, binabanatan n’yo na ngayon. Bilog ang mundo (Now that your demands are not being granted, you are criticizing (him) now,” the post added.

The Magnificent 7 has been very supportive of the PTMP before and even complied with the consolidation requirement under the program.

Manibela and Piston, on the other hand, have been rejecting the PTMP, previously called PUV modernization, as they maintain that it is anti-poor since jeepney operators and drivers will be compelled to buy expensive modern jeepneys over pahse out policy of the traditional jeepneys.

Several transport strikes were initiated by both Manibela and Piston, protest actions that were usually not supported by the Magnificent 7.

In a press conference, the leaders of the Magnificent 7 urged President Marcos to set a clear policy direction on the PTMP implementation as they blame those implementing the program over slow progress of the modernization.

Guadiz, for his part, said the LTFRB is fully committed in the full implementation of the PTMP as he assured that reforms in the sector remain a top priority.

“We continue to exert all efforts to ensure that the transition to a modernized transport system proceeds without interruption. We remain focused on our mandate, which is to guarantee the unimpeded implementation of the PTMP,” Guadiz said.

He said the LTFRB has been working closely with government financing institutions to help operators of modernized jeepney fleets meet their loan obligations under the program.

"As a matter of fact, we have been seeking dialogue with our partner Government Financing Institutions to assist operators of modernized jeepney fleets to meet their loan obligations under the PTMP," Guadiz stressed.

“We are moving forward with clarity and with the utmost concern for our operators and the commuting public. By taking deliberate and determined actions, we ensure that the vision of a modernized public transportation system for the Philippines is realized,” he added.

While reforms would take time, Guadiz stressed the importance of long-term solutions to address persistent problems in the sector.

He assured transport groups and the riding public that every decision of the LTFRB goes through a thorough technical, legal, and financial evaluation.

Guadiz called on all stakeholders to collaborate constructively in achieving the common goal of providing efficient and reliable transport services to the public.

He emphasized that the LTFRB is steadfast in fulfilling its mandate with transparency, accountability, and a strong commitment to public service, noting that continuity and stability are vital to the successful implementation of the PTMP.