Manibela, a transport group, has announced its plans to initiate an extensive nationwide transport protest against the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), which is set to commence on Tuesday. In Metro Manila, the group intends to launch a protest caravan, starting from the University of the Philippines-Diliman campus in Quezon City and concluding at Welcome Rotonda, located at the boundary of Manila. The president of Manibela, Mar S., will be leading this demonstration.
The transport sector has been vocal about its objections to the PUVMP since its introduction. Manibela, among other groups, strongly believes that the program neglects the rights and considerations of traditional jeepney drivers and operators. They argue that the modernization efforts imposed by the government are excessive and fail to address the real issues faced by the industry.
With their protest caravan, Manibela aims to highlight the grievances of jeepney drivers and operators and draw attention to what they perceive as inadequacies in the current modernization program. By taking their demonstration beyond the confines of local communities and onto the national stage, they hope to amplify their message and put pressure on authorities to reconsider the implementation of the PUVMP.
The choice to commence the protest from the University of the Philippines-Diliman campus holds symbolic significance. Recognized as a bastion of student activism and civic engagement, the university serves as a fitting starting point for a cause that seeks to uphold the interests of marginalized sectors of society. Manibela’s decision to lead the protest caravan from this location emphasizes their intention to garner support and solidarity from various sectors, including students and activists.
As the convoy makes its way towards Welcome Rotonda, Manibela anticipates gathering a significant following of like-minded individuals who share their concerns regarding the PUVMP. The demonstration is expected to attract participants from different regions, showcasing a nationwide opposition to the modernization program. This unified display of discontent underscores the magnitude and urgency of the transport sector’s grievances.
The continuous nationwide transport protest organized by Manibela signifies a growing sense of frustration and dissatisfaction among jeepney drivers and operators. They feel marginalized and overlooked in the face of governmental efforts to modernize public transportation. By staging this demonstration, Manibela aims to reclaim their voice and demand a more inclusive and considerate approach to the PUVMP.
As the protest caravan embarks on its journey, it represents a challenge to the authorities responsible for implementing the modernization program. Manibela’s initiative serves as a reminder that the concerns of the transport sector cannot be ignored or dismissed. The success or failure of the PUVMP hinges on the ability of the government to address the legitimate grievances raised by these stakeholders.
In conclusion, Manibela’s decision to mount a nationwide transport protest against the PUVMP demonstrates their determination to fight for the rights of jeepney drivers and operators. Through their protest caravan, they aim to draw attention to the flaws in the current program and advocate for a more inclusive and equitable approach to modernizing public transportation. As they traverse the country, their message resonates with a growing chorus of voices seeking meaningful change within the transport sector.
