3rd strike leaves no transport paralysis

CEBU, Philippines — The PISTON Cebu capped off its third transport strike of the year yesterday as the group continues to raise concerns over fuel prices, drivers’ income conditions, and government transport policies.

The strike was held from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.

In an interview, PISTON-Cebu president Greg Perez said the action was organized to highlight the continuing difficulties faced by public utility jeepney drivers and operators.

PISTON Cebu maintains its five-point demands to address the crisis, which include rolling back oil prices to P55 per liter to reflect actual costs based on existing oil stocks; removing VAT and excise tax to reduce pump prices by P20 per liter; implementing a P5.00 fare hike and a P1,200 national minimum wage; abolishing the Oil Deregulation Law and imposing price controls; and nationalizing Petron and the oil industry to ensure supply and affordable pricing.

Perez explained that many drivers continue to struggle to cope with increasing fuel expenses that significantly cut into their daily earnings, alongside other operational costs such as unit rentals and maintenance.

He added that these conditions continue to push many transport workers into financial hardship.

“Ang rollback nga gihimo na sila sa pagkakaron, bunga kana sa atong mga protesta nga kailangan ibalik sa P55 ang presyo matag litro,” said Perez.

He argued that oil prices are controlled by big business interests and capitalist countries around the world, and that the current situation reflects the government’s lack of control over prices under the Oil Deregulation Law.

“Padayon ang atong pakigbisog tungod nakita nato nga naa ang mga balaod nga wala gihimoag mga aksyon. Karon gi rollback, pwede gihapon mu increase ugma, kay naa sa mga oil cartel ang kontrol sa lana,” Perez said.

The group also raised concerns over broader transport policies and taxation issues affecting the sector, saying these contribute to the worsening economic situation of drivers and operators.

Despite the strike, Perez clarified that there are no plans for a transport paralysis, stressing that their actions remain limited to coordinated protest activities.

He further noted that participation varied across areas, with around 50 percent of jeepney units in Consolacion reportedly continuing operations during the strike.

PISTON-Cebu maintained that the activity reflects the ongoing struggles of transport workers and said it will continue to monitor developments in the sector while considering possible future actions depending on the situation. — (FREEMAN)