The PISTON NCR group staged a protest near Pasig Mega Market on Tuesday, September 29, urging other sectors to join their call for a more substantial fare increase amid continued high fuel prices.
According to PISTON NCR leader Ely Villena, participation in the transport strike launched by the group on Tuesday is not mandatory. He encouraged drivers to unite in seeking greater government support amid the impact of the ongoing Middle East crisis on fuel prices.
Aside from a higher fare increase, PISTON is also calling for the repeal of the Oil Deregulation Law, suspension of fuel excise taxes, and a substantial rollback in fuel prices.
Villena said the fare increase granted to public utility jeepney drivers is insufficient to offset the rising cost of diesel.
“Kakarampot lang po ito dahil sa taas ng presyo ng petrolyo, hindi sapat yung ibinigay nilang dagdag pamasahe. Niyayabang pa nga nila na P2 daw po ang sa city kilometer, pero ang totoo matagal na pong 1.80, ang dinagdag lang nila 20 centimos.”
He said the additional fare does not adequately address the rising cost of fuel and the financial difficulties faced by drivers.
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