Manila: The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is looking to hold a dialogue with transport group Manibela over its plan to hold a three-day transport strike next week. In a statement on Wednesday, the DOTr said Secretary Vince Dizon has ordered Assistant Secretary for Road Transport and Non-Infrastructure Dioscoro Reyes to conduct a dialogue with concerned transport groups.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Department hopes that instead of a transport strike, both parties can sit down for a dialogue to work together to keep commuters safe and comfortable while ensuring that the welfare of drivers and operators is protected. The DOTr acknowledged that it is within Manibela’s right to make their concerns heard.

The statement also emphasized that the Secretary has considered the transport sector’s concerns to improve the implementation of the Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP). The DOTr assured that ways forward will be discussed in a meeting among the transport sector and concerned government agencies.

Meanwhile, the DOTr, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), and other government agencies are preparing to ensure that commuters will not be affected by the strike. The DOTr is working closely with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and local government units (LGUs) to provide free rides to address any inconveniences commuters may experience during this activity.

Earlier on Wednesday, Manibela chair Mar Valbuena announced a three-day transport strike, potentially beginning as early as Thursday or Monday, due to alleged inaccurate consolidation numbers of public utility vehicles released by the LTFRB.