Manibela
Samahang Manibela Mananakay at Nagkaisang Terminal ng Transportasyon | |
 | |
| Abbreviation | SMMITT |
|---|---|
| Formation | 2018[1] |
| Membership | 50,000 (2022) |
Chairman | Mar Valbuena |
The Samahang Manibela, Mananakay at Nagkaisang Terminal ng Transportasyon[a] (SMMITT; lit. 'Federation of Drivers, Commuters, and United Transportation Terminals'), simply known as Manibela (lit. 'steering wheel') is a public transport organization in the Philippines.[3][4] It claims to have 50,000 drivers and operators as members as of March 2022.[5]
The group attempted to register as a partylist for the 2019 House of Representatives election, but was denied by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC).[6][7]
Manibela has opposed the implementation of phaseout for traditional jeepneys under the Philippine government's Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program.[5] They initiated a nationwide transport strike in 2023 against the policy.[8]
For the 2022 Philippine presidential election, they endorsed the campaign of Leni Robredo.[5] They made a failed bid to participate in the 2022 House of Representatives election and to win a seat in the legislature as a partylist organization.[9] Their candidacy failed to receive accreditation from the Commission on Elections.[10]
Manibela joined PISTON in the 2024 Labor Day protest against the government’s Jeepney modernization program.[11] Its chairman Mario "Mar" Valbuena Jr. filed his candidacy for senator in the 2025 election.[12]
Legal issue
[edit]Pasig City Regional Trial Court Branch 158, Presiding Judge Manuel Gerard Tomacruz issued an arrest warrant dated April 23, 2024, against chairman Mar Valbuena with recommended bail of P10,000 each for 2 counts of cyber libel emanating Jaime Bautista's sworn complaint. Valbuena accused Bautista of corruption, which Bautista denied. The court ruling also dismissed a complaint of grave threats filed against Valbuena.[13]
Notes
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b Masculino, Glazyl Y. (August 17, 2018). "Transport groups insulted by LTFRB's 'snub' in forum". SunStar. SunStar Publishing Inc. Retrieved September 20, 2025.
Engineer Mar Valbuena of Samahan ng mga Malls Integrated Transport Terminal Federation was also present during the forum.
- ^ Ramos, Christia Marie (January 31, 2019). "LTFRB distances from ex-official allegedly collecting illegal franchise fees". Inquirer.net. Manila, Philippines: Inquirer Interactive, Inc. Retrieved September 20, 2025.
- ^ "Commuters 'to suffer more' due to P2P service for UV Express". Rappler. May 30, 2019. Retrieved March 11, 2023.
- ^ "Manibela asks commuters for understanding as drivers suspend operations". The Philippine Star. January 6, 2022. Retrieved March 11, 2023.
- ^ a b c "Manibela transport group backs Robredo's presidential bid". ABS-CBN News. March 30, 2022. Retrieved March 11, 2023.
- ^ "Pasok Sa Balota! 126 Groups Comprise Comelec's Initial List Of Party-Lists For 2019 Polls". Politiko. MCD Multimedia Corporation. November 21, 2018. Retrieved September 20, 2025.
- ^ Adel, Rosette (March 7, 2019). "LIST: Certified party-list candidates for 2019 elections". Philstar.com. Manila, Philippines: Philstar Global Corp. Retrieved September 20, 2025.
- ^ Hilotin, Jay (March 3, 2023). "Philippines: Why 'jeepney' drivers declared a weeklong strike". Gulf News. Archived from the original on March 4, 2023. Retrieved March 4, 2023.
- ^ "'Real' public transpo laborers seek Congress seats amid 'neglect'". ABS-CBN News. October 3, 2021. Retrieved March 11, 2023.
- ^ "Comelec rejects 107 party-list groups with finality". CNN Philippines. December 4, 2021. Archived from the original on December 4, 2021. Retrieved March 11, 2023.
- ^ Demayo, Mark (May 1, 2024). "Transport groups join Labor Day protest". ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs. Retrieved May 1, 2024.
- ^ Serquina, Mariel Celine (October 7, 2024). "Manibela chairperson Mar Valbuena files candidacy for senator". GMA News Online. Retrieved January 19, 2025.
- ^ Bolledo, Jairo (April 30, 2024). "Court orders arrest of Manibela head Mar Valbuena over cyber libel charges". Rappler. Retrieved May 1, 2024.