By Randy Espares Jr.

Far Eastern University (FEU) together with other schools in the University Belt (U-Belt) area adjusted to online learning following Malayang Alyansa ng Bus Employees at Laborers (MANIBELA) nationwide transport strike today, October 16. 

University of the East, National University, and University of Santo Tomas are among the U-Belt schools that shifted to online classes. 

The transport strike was conducted following the alleged corruption of former Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chairman Teofilo Guadiz III in the public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. suspended Guadiz as chairman last October 9, and proclaimed LTFRB board member Mercy Paras Leynes as the agency’s officer-in-charge. 

Furthermore, the transport group called for an extension of their five-year franchise and discontinuation of the PUV modernization program, ceasing traditional jeepney operations beyond December 31. 

MANIBELA and fellow transport group Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide (PISTON) estimated at least 600,000 drivers will be affected by the PUV modernization program. 

During a press conference last Monday, MANIBELA chairman Mar Valbuena said that around 240,000 traditional jeepneys will participate in the strike nationwide. 

Meanwhile, Caloocan, Las Piñas, Marikina, Parañaque, and Pasay City suspended classes for all levels today, October 16. 

The transport group protest will continue in front of the LTFRB Central Office in Quezon City and Mendiola Street in Manila tomorrow, October 17. 

(Photo by Ralph Mari Castro/FEU Advocate)