Cebu transport groups refuse to join strike

CEBU, Philippines — As the three-day transport strike in Manila led by Manibela continues, transport cooperatives in Cebu have taken a different approach by engaging in dialogue with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) today, March 25, 2025.

In a press conference held yesterday, the Federation of Cebu Transport Cooperative (FCTC) reiterated their primary demand for consistency in the full implementation of the Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP).

The scheduled dialogue with the DOTr in Manila provides FCTC an opportunity to voice their concerns and clarify the "confusions" surrounding the policy direction of transport modernization.

While the 13 Cebu-based transport cooperatives affirmed their full support for the government, they also expressed frustrations over inconsistent policies.

According to FCTC chairperson Ellen Maghanoy, the modernization program, which began in 2018, has generated 5,000 jobs for Cebuanos and supported the livelihood of 3,000 members.

With approximately 40,000 individuals benefiting from their operations, they emphasized that their contribution to public transport should not be overlooked.

“Masubo pamalandongon nga hangtod karon ang programang modernization program, wala pa guy saktong policy. Nga among tan-awn, kami nga transport cooperative, dako kaayog natabang sa community,” Maghanoy lamented.

The federation underscored the need for a well-defined policy to help transport cooperatives make informed decisions, allocate resources, and provide reliable services to commuters.

Lino Huyo-a, chairman of Mabolo Transport Cooperative, highlighted financial challenges, particularly the massive debt incurred by their transport cooperatives.

FCTC, with around 1,100 units operating, owes approximately P3.5 billion to government banks such as Landbank and the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP).

“Kung dili seryosoon sa gobyerno, pasagdaan rami nga mga cooperative, unexperienced in management system, dili kaha maka apekto pud ni sa panudlanan sa atong banko nga gisaligan,” Huyo-a said.

In contrast to the ongoing Manila strike, PITAM Transport Cooperative Chairman Roberto Orilla confirmed that Cebu would not be affected as operations will continue as usual.

Loreto Geroz Jr., leader of Mandaue Transport Cooperative, echoed this sentiment, arguing that strikes create economic disruptions.

“Ang sige’g strike nila diha sama rana sa nagsabotahe sa ekonomiya. Pila ang mawala sa ekonomiya og mag strike sila,” Geroz Jr. stated.

The strike in Manila was triggered by concerns over allegedly inflated consolidation figures from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

Manibela Chairman Mar Valbuena accused the agency of misleading the public and the president regarding the true number of approved consolidations.

DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon clarified that while LTFRB initially reported an 86-percent consolidation rate, only 43 percent had been officially approved.

Regarding consolidation in Central Visayas, LTFRB Acting Chief and Transportation Development Officer Atty. Edwin Antepuesto reported that 9,640 public utility vehicles (PUVs) have been consolidated under the PTMP.

In a separate interview, Antepuesto shared that 93 percent of both PUV and UV Express operators have undergone consolidation.

He clarified that consolidation is a process where once an operator applies, a sequential decision process follows.

“Dili man mag dungan og release ang decision for the applicant sa transport cooperatives and corporation. But the mere fact nga ni file sila, ang katong mga members nila ang actually members of the cooperatives or corporation even pending the decision of the LTFRB,” Antepuesto explained.

He added that the agency has been “liberal” in processing requirements to ensure more operators can comply.

When asked about the progress of transport modernization, Antepuesto noted significant progress, mentioning that DOTr has already received Cebu City’s documents.

“Klaro klaro na, this time naa nay direction,” he added.

However, further steps are required before full implementation, including the issuance of compliance documents by the LTFRB and the passage of an ordinance by the Cebu City government affirming the designated routes.

Once completed, the LTFRB will release a circular officially opening new routes for modernization. — (FREEMAN)