Manibela announces April 15–17 transport strike
MANILA, Philippines — Transport group Manibela said it will stage a transport strike from April 15 to 17 to protest what it described as the government's failure to manage oil prices following the war in the Middle East.
At a press briefing on Monday, April 13, Manibela Chair Mar Valbuena accused the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of siding with oil firms during the crisis, saying transport workers have borne the brunt of soaring prices.
"Ang Manibela, kasama ang United Transport Alliance nationwide, sa ikakasang tigil pasada," Valbuena said. (Manibela, together with the United Transport Alliance nationwide, will join the planned strike.)
Valbuena said the strike will run from Wednesday to Friday, with other transport coalitions also expected to join.
Aside from jeepney drivers, other transport workers will also participate, including drivers of transport network vehicle services, taxis and motorcycle taxis, according to Valbuena.
Valbuena criticized the government for what he said was its slow response to the fuel crisis, citing the executive branch's inaction on the suspension of excise taxes.
Marcos had asked Congress to grant him emergency powers to suspend excise taxes. Although Congress quickly passed the measure, Marcos has yet to use it.
"Nag-enjoy na kayo sa kita," Valbuena said. (You already enjoyed the profit.)
The group represents jeepneys, UV Express and Transportation Network Vehicle Service drivers and operators, claiming to have a membership of 50,000 as of 2022.
Fuel taxes still in place
Aside from the excise tax, value-added tax remains imposed on fuel products.
While Marcos has floated the possibility of suspending the VAT, the measure has not been deemed urgent.
Tensions in the Middle East have sent fuel prices soaring.
Diesel prices in the Philippines have nearly tripled since the start of March.
The high fuel prices have also pushed up the country's inflation rate, with government projections indicating the uptrend will likely continue in the coming months.
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