Philippines jeepney strike intensifies over modernisation deadline.

The three-day transport strike that began on March 24, 2025, has brought the long-running dispute over the government’s Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PTMP) back into sharp focus. Transport group Manibela has led the protest, arguing that the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has misrepresented the number of operators and drivers who have actually consolidated under the program. While the Department of Transportation (DoTr) has signalled openness to changes, the core tension remains: how to phase out traditional jeepneys without leaving drivers and operators financially stranded.

That gap between applications and approvals — roughly 86 percent of public utility vehicles applied for consolidation, but only about 40 percent have been approved — is at the heart of the current standoff. For the thousands of drivers and operators who have not yet received approval, the threat of being declared illegal operators after the deadline is immediate. The situation is further complicated by the high cost of a modern jeepney, which exceeds P2 million, a sum most individual operators cannot afford without taking on significant debt. For a deeper look at how pollution from vehicles like jeepneys affects public health, you can read our article on air pollution and respiratory risk in the Philippines.

What the modernisation program actually requires

The program, which began in 2017 under the Duterte administration, was designed with two main goals: reduce air pollution and improve the safety and efficiency of public transport. Traditional jeepneys, many of which are over 15 years old, have been identified as a major source of pollution. A 2018 study by the National Centre for Transportation Studies at the University of the Philippines found that jeepneys account for almost half of airborne particulate matter in Metro Manila. The initial phase of the program required individual franchise holders to consolidate into cooperatives or corporations — a move intended to make it easier to manage routes, access financing, and maintain newer vehicles.

But the requirement to consolidate has proven to be one of the most contentious parts of the plan. Many drivers and operators view it as a loss of independence, while others simply cannot find a cooperative willing to accept them or are distrustful of the management structures involved. The high cost of a new jeepney — often cited as over P2 million — means that even those who consolidate may need to take out substantial loans, a prospect that has drawn sharp criticism from transport groups.

Why the strike is happening now

The immediate trigger for the March 2025 strike is a dispute over the numbers. Manibela, the transport group leading the protest, claims that the LTFRB has inflated the consolidation figures, making it appear that the program is more successful than it actually is. Transportation Secretary Vivencio B. Dizon acknowledged the discrepancy, stating that while 86 percent of PUVs applied for consolidation, only about 40 percent of those applications have been approved. This means a significant number of operators are in a grey zone — they have applied but have not yet received the legal status that would protect them from being penalised after the deadline.

The deadline itself has been a moving target. Originally set for the end of March 2025 nationwide (and end of April for Metro Manila), the LTFRB extended it to June 30, and then further to December 31, 2025. This repeated extension has created uncertainty. On one hand, it gives operators more time to comply. On the other, it signals that the government may not be fully prepared to enforce the phase-out, which some transport groups see as a sign of weakness while others see it as a necessary concession. The Federation of Cebu Transport Cooperative (FCTC), which supports the modernisation program, has criticised the lack of consistent policy direction, saying it has stalled planning and investments in the transport sector.

The strike has had a tangible impact on daily life. Several local governments, including Manila and Angeles City, suspended in-person classes and shifted to remote work. The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) reported that the first day of the strike had “minimal impact” on commuters, largely because local governments deployed free rides. However, Manibela president Mar Valbuena claimed the strike involved an estimated 40,000 traditional jeepneys and UV express vehicles, and warned it would “ensure employees won’t be able to come to work.” The strike was initially planned for seven days but was observed as a three-day action from March 24 to 26.

What often gets missed in the debate

Much of the public discussion focuses on the cost of new jeepneys and the inconvenience of strikes. But several underlying issues deserve closer attention.

The pollution problem is not just about old engines

While jeepneys are a major source of particulate matter, the solution is not simply swapping engines. The 2018 UP study highlighted that jeepneys contribute almost half of airborne particulate matter in Metro Manila, but this is also a function of traffic congestion, poor route planning, and the sheer number of old vehicles on the road. Replacing a jeepney with a Euro 4-compliant model reduces emissions per vehicle, but if the number of vehicles on the road does not decrease, the overall air quality improvement may be less dramatic than expected. This is a point often lost in the push for modernisation.

The cooperative model has its own risks

Consolidation into cooperatives is presented as a way to give operators collective bargaining power and access to financing. But not all cooperatives are created equal. Some are well-managed and have successfully created jobs — the FCTC, for example, says it has created 5,000 jobs and supported over 3,000 families. Others, however, may be poorly run or even exploitative. Drivers who join a cooperative may find themselves bound by decisions made by a board they have little control over, and the debt taken on to purchase a modern jeepney is often held collectively, meaning one member’s default can affect the entire group.

The social support system is still unclear

The LTFRB has said that operators who give up their franchises will receive “social support,” including free skills training and other work opportunities. But the details remain vague. For drivers who have spent their entire careers behind the wheel of a jeepney, retraining for a different line of work is not a simple process. The lack of a clear, well-funded transition program is a significant gap in the modernisation plan. Without it, the program risks simply displacing workers rather than upgrading the transport system.

Regional differences are being ignored

The debate is often framed around Metro Manila, but the situation in provinces like Cebu is different. The FCTC has urged the national government to fully implement the phase-out, arguing that inconsistent policy has hurt their investments. In Cebu, some cooperatives have already purchased modern units and are waiting for the government to enforce the rules so that unconsolidated operators do not undercut them. This creates a split within the transport sector itself — between those who have already complied and want the rules enforced, and those who are resisting the program.

What drivers and operators can do right now

For those caught in the middle of this transition, the options are limited but worth understanding clearly.

Check your consolidation status with the LTFRB

The first step is to verify whether your application for consolidation has actually been approved. The gap between applying and being approved is significant — only about 40 percent of applicants have received approval. You can check your status through the LTFRB’s online portal or by visiting their regional office. If your application is still pending, ask for a written update and an estimated timeline. This documentation may be important if you are flagged for operating without proper authorisation after the deadline.

Evaluate cooperative options carefully

If you have not yet joined a cooperative, do not rush into the first one that accepts you. Look into the cooperative’s financial health, its management structure, and its track record with existing members. Ask about the terms of any loan required for a new jeepney — what is the interest rate, the repayment period, and what happens if you cannot make a payment? The FCTC in Cebu is an example of a cooperative that has been active in community programs, but not all cooperatives operate with the same level of transparency. Attend a meeting before committing.

Understand the extended deadline

The LTFRB has extended the consolidation deadline to December 31, 2025. This gives you several more months to comply, but it is not an indefinite reprieve. Use this time to get your paperwork in order, join a cooperative if you have not already, and secure financing if you plan to purchase a modern unit. Do not wait until the last quarter of the year, as processing times may slow down as the deadline approaches.

Explore the social support package

If you decide to give up your franchise rather than modernise, ask the LTFRB for specific details on the social support package. What skills training programs are available? Where are they offered? Are there any cash assistance or livelihood programs you can apply for? The government has promised support, but you will likely need to be proactive in seeking it out. Contact your local LTFRB office or the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for a list of available programs.

Frequently asked questions about the jeepney modernisation strike

The jeepney modernisation program is at a critical juncture. The government has signalled flexibility, but the underlying issues — cost, debt, trust in cooperatives, and the lack of a clear social safety net — remain unresolved. For the millions of Filipinos who rely on jeepneys every day, the outcome of this dispute will shape how they move through their cities for years to come. If this was useful, you might also want to read how climate change and pollution create overlapping risks for the Philippines.

Sources

Air pollution and respiratory risk in the Philippines — A closer look at how vehicle emissions and other pollutants affect public health across the country.

Dual threats: climate change and pollution in the Philippines — Explores how environmental challenges compound each other and what that means for Filipinos.

Transportation dep’t open to changes to jeepney modernization program. BusinessWorld, 2025.

Classes, work in Philippines suspended with week-long jeepney strike starting on Monday. The Straits Times, 2025.

Cebu transport group: Fully implement jeepney phaseout, MPUV program. SunStar Cebu, 2025.