The main transportation group in the Philippines, Manibela, initiated a nationwide strike on the morning of September 17, protesting against the government's fund management issues. The strike started in the Philcoa area of Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City and is expected to last for three days, with tens of thousands of drivers participating, significantly impacting national public transportation.
According to Mar Balbuena, chairman of the Manibela organization, Filipino drivers are required to pay about 500 pesos in fuel tax daily, with a monthly burden of 15,000 pesos and an annual total of about 180,000 pesos. The organization pointed out that these funds, which should have been used for public construction, might be misused, with particular concern about some of the funds flowing into high-end entertainment activities such as casinos.
The direct trigger for this protest was the recent exposure of flood control project fund management issues. The Presidential Office has ordered a comprehensive investigation into this matter, and both houses of Congress and relevant government departments have also initiated corresponding investigative procedures. These events have triggered strong reactions from all sectors of society.
In addition to fund management issues, the transportation group has also raised objections to the current vehicle policies. Manibela is demanding that the government restore the five-year operating license for traditional jeepney vehicles and opposes the mandatory phasing out of old vehicles in the transportation modernization plan.
It is also noteworthy that another major transportation organization, Pistom, has announced that it will join the protest the next day. Analysts point out that the joint action of multiple organizations may cause severe disruptions to public transportation services in major cities, potentially interrupting the travel of millions of citizens.
Currently, the Philippine government is closely monitoring the development of the situation. Relevant departments express understanding of the public's concerns and promise to continue promoting transparent investigations into the use of funds. The development of this event and its impact on social stability are worth continuous attention.
