Transportation in Cebu unhampered despite nationwide strike

Local

DESPITE the nationwide three-day transport strike led by transport group Manibela, public transportation in Central Visayas, particularly in Metro Cebu, remains unaffected.

Atty. Edwin Antepuesto, Acting Chief Transportation Development Officer of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board Central Visayas (LTFRB 7), reported that most public utility vehicles (PUV) in Cebu have been consolidated under the Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP), ensuring continued service during the strike.

Antepuesto said authorities have prepared contingency measures, including deploying buses for free rides if necessary, to mitigate potential disruptions.

However, given the normal flow of transportation services in Cebu, these measures have not been required.

The Federation of Cebu Transport Cooperatives (FCTC), a 13-member organization, has also declined to participate in the strike.

FCTC President Ellen Maghanoy expressed their commitment to serving the transportation needs of the public and supporting government initiatives.

She added that a total of 1,100 modern jeepneys are operating under the federation.

Three-day strike

The ongoing strike, scheduled from March 24 to 26, 2025, was organized by Manibela to protest alleged inaccuracies in the LTFRB reporting on the consolidation rates of PUV operators under the PUV Modernization Program.

Manibela President Mar Valbuena accused the LTFRB of misrepresenting data, claiming that the reported 86 percent consolidation rate included applications still pending approval.

This misrepresentation, according to Valbuena, adversely affects drivers and operators who have not yet consolidated, leading to their marginalization within the industry.

In response, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has expressed openness to dialogue with transport groups to address their concerns and avoid inconveniencing commuters.

DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon urged Manibela to engage in discussions aimed at finding solutions to the issues raised.

The PUV Modernization Program, launched in 2017, aims to phase out old jeepneys and replace them with more environmentally friendly vehicles. It also mandates the consolidation of individual franchises into cooperatives or corporations.

However, the program has faced criticism due to the high cost of modern jeepney units and concerns over the accuracy of consolidation data.(MyTVCebu)