Metro Manila, Philippines – Transport group Piston and progressive coalition Bayan said they will mount a nationwide transport strike on Thursday, March 19.
The groups made the announcement on Monday, March 16, as the US-Israel conflict with Iran rattles the global oil supply.
“Ang March 19 ay umpisa pa lamang ng welga at magtutuloy-tuloy ito hangga’t hindi binibigay ng administrasyon ni Bongbong Marcos na ang panagawagan natin ay pagbasura sa oil deregulation law, pagbasura sa excise tax, at pagbasura sa VAT (value added tax) sa langis,” Piston national president Mody Floranda said in a news conference in Quezon City.
[Translation: March 19 is just the start of the strike and it will continue as long as the administration of Bongbong Marcos does not heed to our calls to junk the oil deregulation law, excise tax, and VAT on oil.]
Bayan secretary general Mong Palatino called on the government to implement the “extraordinary measures” to provide immediate economic relief to consumers.
Piston also said it is planning to file a petition for a ₱5 increase in jeepney fare.
LTFRB Chairman Vigor Mendoza II said the agency respects the groups’ decision, but noted a dialogue will be sought with them to discuss government initiatives to address the situation.
“Kung mag-strike man sila, huwag nilang guluhin sana ‘yong daloy ng trapiko. Handa tayo, kung talagang mahihrapan ‘yong ating commuters, we are ready to assist,” Mendoza said.
[Translation: If they are going on strike, we hope they will not disrupt traffic. If commuters find it difficult to travel, we are ready to assist.]
