Metro Manila, Philippines – A transport group said it was apolitical insofar as pushing its agenda to improve the welfare of operators and drivers through higher fares and tax breaks on fuel.
MANIBELA released a statement on Wednesday, Sept. 30, on its neutrality after its chairman, Mar Valbuena, drew online flak in a light interaction with First Lady Liza Marcos during a government-led rice distribution activity for transport workers on Tuesday, just a day after the group led a transport strike.
During the event at the Land Transportation Office, Marcos told Valbuena: “Huwag na mag-strike ah? [Don’t go on a strike, okay?].”
To which Valbuena replied: “Hindi na po. I love you. [Not anymore. I love you.]”
MANIBELA said it does not support or oppose any political personality “simply because of their names or political affiliations.”
“Hindi kulay po ang ipinaglalaban namin kundi kabuhayan, karapatan, at kapakanan ng mga Pilipino. We are not calling for the downfall of the government. Suportado po namin ang tamang layunin ng gobyerno para sa bawat Pilipino,” the statement read.
[Translation: We are not fighting for a political color but the livelihood, rights, and welfare of Filipinos. We are not calling for the downfall of the government. We support the right objectives of the government for each Filipino.]
Palace press officer Claire Castro said the first lady’s participation in rice distribution is not a surprise given her involvement in similar local initiatives.
“Kung ito ay nagkataon or sinadya, hindi po natin masasabi dahil talaga pong ang First Lady ay tumutugon sa ganitong mga klase ng mga activities. Pero maganda na rin po ang nangyaring pagkakataon na nagkataon dahil nagkita sila mismo nang personal ni MANIBELA Chairman [Valbuena],” Castro said.
[Translation: Whether this is a coincidence or planned, we cannot truly tell because the First Lady really does participate in these kinds of activities. Nevertheless, it was also a good opportunity that she incidentally met MANIBELA Chairman Valbuena herself.]
The Department of Transportation said the rice distribution program on Tuesday benefited 1,000 drivers of traditional jeepneys and tricycles.
MANIBELA called off its three-day nationwide strike on Monday after transport regulatory officials agreed to meet with them the next day to hear their suggestions and grievances in the transport sector.
