Metro Manila, Philippines — Transport group Piston is warning of a larger, multi-sectoral strike just days before Holy Week, as it ramps up pressure on what it calls the government’s lack of response to rising fuel costs.
Its two-day nationwide transport strike ended Friday, March 20, but the group said it is coordinating with other transport sectors for a broader mobilization soon.
“Sa susunod na mga araw, hindi na lamang tayo ang hihinto sa lansangan,” Piston president Mody Floranda said, adding that he will meet with other transport groups, “iba’t ibang federation, hindi lamang ng jeepney, kung ‘di sa lahat ng mga pampublikong transportasyon.”
[Translation: In the coming days, it will no longer be just us who will stop plying the roads… different federations, not only jeepneys but across all public transportation.]
The meeting is set for Sunday, March 22, with a potential mass protest on Friday, March 27, ahead of the Holy Week.
Earlier, jeepney drivers, operators, and supporters gathered at Mabuhay Rotonda, commonly known as Welcome Rotonda, in Quezon City before marching to Mendiola Street in Manila, a main access road to Malacañan Palace.
The groups continue to protest what they described as the government’s lack of response to soaring fuel prices.
The Manila Police District (MPD) said authorities allowed the protest in Mendiola for a limited period even without a permit.
“Ginagalang po natin yung kanilang karapatan,” said PMaj Alberto Saygo, MPD Human Rights Affairs Office chief.
[Translation: We respect their right [to protest].
Lawmakers and sectoral representatives joined the demonstration.
“Bakit emergency powers pa na walang katiyakan kung kailan ipapatupad at pwede ring bawiin,” Gabriela Women Rep. Sarah Elago told NewsWatch Plus, referring to the bill—now awaiting the president’s signature—that would allow him to suspend or reduce excise taxes on fuel.
READ: Fuel excise tax powers bill hurdles final reading
[Translation: Why grant emergency powers when there is no certainty on when it will be implemented and it can also be withdrawn?]
Other groups also pushed for the unbundling of fuel prices, expanded pedestrian infrastructure, incentives for renewable energy use, and higher minimum wage.
