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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider Manibela strike continues despite dismantling of protest hubs

Manibela strike continues despite dismantling of protest hubs

Published Apr 23, 2026 12:20 pm  |  Updated Apr 23, 2026 03:42 pm
Manibela members march from Welcome Rotonda to Mendiola in Manila on April 17, 2026, capping their three-day transport strike while renewing calls to suspend fuel taxes and repeal the Oil Deregulation Law. (MB photo by Mark Balmores)
Manibela members march from Welcome Rotonda to Mendiola in Manila on April 17, 2026, capping their three-day transport strike while renewing calls to suspend fuel taxes and repeal the Oil Deregulation Law. (MB photo by Mark Balmores)
Transport group Manibela said on Thursday, April 23, that its transport strike remains in effect despite the removal of its protest centers, as members continue complying with government requirements.
Manibela chairman Mar Valbuena clarified that the absence of picket lines does not signal the end of the strike.
He said many public utility vehicle units remain off the road as drivers process required documents, particularly the submission of route master lists under the government’s public transport consolidation program.
The requirement is part of the regulatory process for franchise holders to continue operating under the new transport modernization framework.
The group said the dismantling of protest hubs was a practical move to allow members to focus on completing these requirements and ensure compliance with government regulations.
“Pagkatapos ma-comply 'yung mga requirements na pinapa-submit, magbabalik biyahe na ulit yung mga kasama natin (Once the required documents have been fully complied with and submitted, our members will resume their operations on the roads),” Valbuena said.
He also clarified that strike activities were briefly disrupted on Wednesday, April 22, after several Manibela officers attended a legal hearing related to transport regulations and the group’s ongoing concerns, which temporarily affected coordination of their protest activities.
Despite scaling down physical protest structures, the group said it continues to monitor fuel price movements closely.
It warned that further transport actions remain possible depending on developments, particularly amid minimal rollback adjustments.

Related Tags

METRONEWS transport strike Manibela PUV modernization route consolidation franchise requirements fuel prices
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