PUV drivers to join Labor Day protest march

MANILA, Philippines - More than 500 public utility drivers will join the big protest rally in Mendiola, Manila on Wednesday's celebration of Labor Day, the militant transport group Piston said.

Piston national president George San Mateo said they will participate in this morning's protest led by by Kilusang Mayo Uno and Anakpawis partylist.

He said the protesters will converge around 10 a.m. in front of Sto. Domingo Church, Quezon Avenue, Quezon City, where a brief program will be held.

Around 11:30 a.m., Piston members will march toward Liwasang Bonifacio where they will meet up with other protesters before proceeding to Mendiola bridge around 3:30 p.m.

San Mateo said the drivers will reiterate their call to President Benigno Aquino III to address the concerns of the transport sector, including the issue of overpricing of petroleum products and the scrapping of the Oil Deregulation Law.

Meanwhile, before the march to Mendiola, members of KMU-National Capital Region will troop around 10 a.m. to the US embassy along Roxas Boulevard to stage a protest action. - Dennis Carcamo