Transport groups Samahang Manibela, Mananakay, at Nagkaisang Terminal ng Transportasyon (Manibela) and Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsupert at Opereytor Nationwide (Piston) have launched transport strikes on Tuesday to demand government intervention amid soaring fuel costs, claiming that current subsidies were insufficient.
The protests aim to urge the government to lower fuel prices to ₱55 per liter, repeal the Oil Deregulation Law, and suspend the value-added tax and excise taxes on fuel.
“Sana maisip ng gobyerno na may problema sa sistema, hindi naman hinihingi ang ayuda, hinihingi ang sistema na pangmatagalan sana na solusyon sa mga problema kapag may dumarating na krisis,” Manibela President Mar Valbuena said.
Additionally, Manibela condemned the limited number of fuel stations participating in the Department of Transportation’s diesel subsidy program.
Following the death of a rider at the cash aid payout lines in Quezon City on Saturday, Valbuena highlighted the struggle of obtaining cash assistance from the government.
“Kailangan pa na may magsakripisyo at magbuwis ng buhay,” he said.
Manibela expects to continue its protest until April 23, while Piston—which joined Manibela in the transport strike—plans to end its demonstration on Labor Day, May 1.
Piston on Monday filed a petition seeking a ₱10 fare increase for jeepneys, which could raise the minimum fare to ₱23.
Piston President Mody Floranda said the appeal is to alleviate the drivers’ significant losses and allow them to continue serving the public.
As the strike paralyzes key routes, commuters expressed frustration over the “double blow” of limited transportation and the threat of higher fares.
Written by Czairine Quimoyog, Insight PH
Czairine Quimoyog, Insight PH is a dedicated campus journalist and contributor. Their insightful writing sparks meaningful conversations and keeps the community informed.
