Transport group Manibela confirmed on Monday, October 16, that they stepped back in the supposed meeting with Malaca&ntilde;ang prior to the drivers and operators's tansport strike.
The said meeting will tackle some of the concerns of the transport group amid the government's public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program.
Interviewed on DZRH Damdaming Bayan, Manibela Chairperson Mar Valbuena said they were the ones who decided to step back from the said meeting.
Not mentioning the cause of the changed decision, Valbuena said that they will still protest the government's jeepney phase-out, which was planned to be implemented starting December 31.
"Yung deadline po na December 31, mabigat po sa amin na maraming cancer, may taning na kami sa December 31. Yun po ang mabigat sa amin na hindi ho kami tinatantanan nitong deadline na ito," he said.
According to Manibela Chairperson, the Jeepney phase-out is just the government's game plan to give routes and franchises to other vehicles that have a standard operating procedure (SOP).
"Kaya pala pine-phase out kami eh pwede pala silang magbigay ng ruta at prangkisa sa iba na may SOP. Mabigat po para sa amin 'yon na kaya pala may pala may modernization dahil po sa korapsyon," Valbuena said.
Under the modernization program, jeepneys who are 15 years and older will be replaced with new ones that conform with the Philippine National Standards and are powered by an electric powertrain or a Euro 4-compliant diesel engine.
"Napakamahal po ng vehicle na inaalok binebenta po sa atin, hindi po talaga kakayanin ng mga irdinaryong operator. Kahit po mag cooperatiba kami hindi talaga kakayanin," the transport group chief said.
Citing the Jeepney modernization, Valbuena, said they are required to purchase the new modern Jeep 6 months and 12 months after the consolidation. Those who have not yet availed will be charged P5,000 each day.
Valbuena said that if they did not pay penalties and did not follow the duirective, the drivers' franchise to operate would be invoked.
Meanwhile, Manibela chairperson remained firm that the transport strike would still continue.

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Manibela steps back in supposed meeting with Malacañang