OFWs hits oil price hikes

Even dollar-earning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are also feeling the adverse effects of sky-rocketing oil prices that they are set to stage public protests against endless oil price hikes.

Migrante, an international alliance of migrant Filipinos, yesterday reported that OFWs are planning to hold anti-oil price hike protests in front of Philippine consulates in their respective host countries.

Poe Gratela, of Migrante, said various groups of OFWs are contemplating organizing protest actions to air their sentiments on the issue now affecting their families in the country.

"The real value of migrants’ remittances to their families is quickly being eroded by the sharp increases in prices of oil and other basic commodities," Gratela noted during a press conference.

During the same forum, the multi-sectoral alliance against oil price increases and the oil cartel, "Kontra Kartel," also announced plans to stage protest actions nationwide. Anti-oil price hike rallies are set for Friday in Davao city, Panay, Bacolod and Manila. Protesters will troop to the oil depots in their respective cities. Kontra-Kartel said organized public protests will continue to snowball unless Malacañang takes appropriate action to control the rising oil prices.– Mayen Jaymalin