Manibela (Samahang Manibela Mananakay at Nagkaisang Terminal ng Transportasyon) began its 3-day transport strike against corruption on September 17, which will extend up to September 19. On September 18, Piston (Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide) members will launch their nationwide transport strike.

Manibela’s action is part of the protest against widespread corruption under the Marcos regime, particularly in connection with anomalous flood control projects. The group’s call: “enough, this is too much, fight corruption.”

Group chairperson Mar Valbuena said drivers, operators, and other transport sector workers are dismayed for paying heavy daily taxes through excise taxes and other dues, only for politicians to steal. “These only fund the luxuries of politicians’ children!” he said.

Valbuena also declared that forcing people to feed and subsidize the extravagance of those in government is not right, while mass drivers toil almost overnight just to earn enough for their families. “Situations like this are unacceptable,” he stressed.

Beyond corruption, the group also condemned the Marcos regime’s transport policies as anti-driver and anti-poor. Their call continues for the junking of the mandatory consolidation of jeepney franchises and the rotten jeepney phaseout program.

Manibela held a centralized program at Philcoa, Quezon City as the opening of their transport strike. The group also announced it will provide free rides to students and other sectors who will join the protest actions in the coming days.

The group will join the planned mass demonstration at Luneta Park, Manila, on September 21. TAMA NA (Taumbayan Ayaw sa Magnanakaw at Abusado Network Alliance) and youth organizations will lead the action.