The nationwide protest against the government's public utility vehicle modernization program (PUVMP) continues until concrete solutions to jeepneys drivers and operators' concerns were laid down, Manibela chairman Mar Valbuena said on Tuesday, January 17.

"Magpapatuloy ito hanggang sa susunod na mga araw, mga linggo, hindi kami titigil. Ito ay hindi panggugulo, hindi ito pamimiwirsyo. Ito lamang ay last resort namin," he told reporters in an interview.

Valbuena turned down suggestion of holding dialogue with government officials.

"Bagama't gusto namin makipagdayalogo, paghaharapin kami, pinapaikot kami, hindi kami pinapakinggan," the Manibela chairman underscored.

Plano ng transport group Manibela na muling magsagawa ng kilos-protesta laban sa PUV Modernization Program sa mga susunod na araw. | H27 @nochecacas pic.twitter.com/dGKe2Fkf2g

— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) January 16, 2024

The Manila Police District (MPD) blocked the entrance to España Blvd., halting protestors at the Welcome Rotonda in Quezon City.

Mga miyembro ng Manibela at PISTON na nagkikilos-protesta, hinarang ng pulisya sa Welcome Rotonda | RH 29 @boy_gonzales#RapidoHatawBalita#SamaSamaTayoPilipino

LIVE: https://t.co/RPhfUFY7sn pic.twitter.com/zSzbYudsFx

— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) January 16, 2024

An MPD official told Valbuena and PISTON president Mody Floranda that they do not have a permit to hold protest in Mendiola.

"Unang-una, ang Mendiola ay hindi freedom park, kailangan ng permit. Since wala kayong permit, dito kayo mag-program. Ginagalang namin ang iyong karapatan," he said.

"Ito ay panggigipit sa aming karapatan, tinanggalan na kami ng hanap-buhay, pinapahirapan pa rin kami hanggang kalsada," Valbuena stressed.

The protest reportedly lasted until past 1 AM of Wednesday.

Pasado ala-1 ng madaling araw, natapos na ang kilos-protesta ng Manibela sa Welcome Rotanda sa Q.C. | RH27 @nochecacas pic.twitter.com/eEKsvSlcv5

— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) January 16, 2024