The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) were compelled to hold a dialogue addressing the grievances of drivers and operators after Manibela (Samahang Manibela Mananakay at Nagkaisang Terminal ng Transportasyon) kick-started its transport strike. According to the group, about 20,000 drivers joined the strike.

The group’s main complaints include the extremely long process for registration or the release of jeepney franchises, as well as the excessively high fines. They also face rampant corruption in the LTFRB office, especially in Region 3, which charges extremely high fees for TNVS (Transportation Network Vehicle Service, such as Grab or Angkas) applications and insurance. The payoff or bribery system inside agencies is also a problem. Instead of targeting illegal operators, the state’s “anti-colorum” campaign is used to extort small drivers, the group said.

Manibela originally planned to hold a 3-day transport strike from December 9 to 11 to push for their demands. However, after the dialogue with the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Land Transportation Office (LTO), and LTFRB on December 9, it called off the third day of the transport strike.

During the meetings, officials pledged to release the pending jeepneys, plates, and licenses that had been confiscated when drivers were harassed. They also promised to issue a memorandum circular extending the Provisional Authority and the registration of vehicles. The agencies likewise committed to investigate and hold accountable the LTO and LTFRB personnel involved in bribery and the sale of Provisional Authority to TNVS applicants.