Transport group Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (Piston) announced it will stage a nationwide transport strike and mass protest on Thursday, March 19, in response to continued increases in fuel prices.
In a press conference on Monday, March 16 at Welcome Rotonda in Quezon City, Piston National President Mody Floranda announced the strike will involve drivers, operators, and other sectors across the country who are protesting what the group described as the government’s failure to address the impact of soaring fuel prices on the public.
“Ngayon darating na March 19 ay idedeklara po natin at ilulunsad natin hindi lamang sa NCR kung hindi sa buong bansa ang isang protesta at welga na pangungunahan ng driver at operator at ng mamamayan laban sa pagka-inutil ng administrasyon ni Bongbong Marcos, laban sa U.S. aggression na kung saan nagdudulot ng pahirapan sa mamamayang Pilipino,” Floranda said.
Piston also announced it will file a petition seeking a ₱5 increase in jeepney fares to help drivers cope with the higher fuel prices.
The transport group expressed concern over an expected oil price increase that could push diesel prices to as high as ₱120 per liter.
Floranda warned that such a price level would severely affect public utility vehicle drivers. He said a driver who consumes about 30 liters of diesel per day could lose as much as ₱3,600 daily due to rising fuel costs.
The group criticized the government’s ₱5,000 cash aid for affected drivers and operators, saying the amount is insufficient and may only cover a few days’ worth of fuel expenses.
The group is calling on the government to remove the excise tax and value-added tax (VAT) on fuel and to repeal the Oil Deregulation Law. It also demanded that fuel prices be rolled back to ₱55 per liter.
Thr group said the March 19 action will include noise barrages, walkouts in schools and workplaces, and protest activities nationwide.
PISTON estimates that around 100,000 drivers and operators will participate in the strike and demonstrations across the country.
