MANILA, Philippines — The nationwide strike by the transport groups Manibela and PISTON (Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator Nationwide) has been called off; the unions announced late Tuesday night.
The news came following a private meeting between Valbuena, PISTON president Mody Floranda, and Undersecretary Roy Cervantes. It was also announced that Jeepneys and UV express vehicles will resume their usual routes today, March 8.
In an interview with CNN Philippines, Manibela chair Mar Valbuena said that Malacañang has agreed to the group’s request to halt the mandated phase-out of traditional jeepneys. Yet the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program will still move forward.
“Panghahawakan namin ang pahayag ng ating mahal na Pangulo Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. na bukas ang administrasyon sa pagaaral at pagaanalisa ng implementasyon ng PUV Modernization Program upang mapanatili ang kabuhayan ng ating PUV drivers at operators.”
Manibela Chairperson Mar Valbuena
(We’re holding President Ferdinand ‘Bongong’ Marcos Jr. to his word that his administration is open to studying and analyzing the implementation of the PUV Modernization Program so that the livelihood of our PUV drivers and operators will be maintained.)
Manibela and PISTON said they will release a joint statement on the meeting details.
News Source: CNN Philippines
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