2-day transport strike begins

MANILA, Philippines — As fuel prices are expected to surge to P100 per liter tomorrow, transport group Manibela will begin its two-day strike today.

In a statement yesterday, Manibela chairman Mar Valbuena slammed Energy Secretary Sharon Garin’s remark that the government is not in control of the continuing fuel price spikes.

“Saying that there is little the government can do is not enough while fuel prices continue to rise and directly eat into daily income,” Valbuena said.

He urged government officials to take concrete steps to resolve the fuel crisis that the country has been facing.

“The transport sector is calling for measures to lessen the burden of fuel costs, including the review or suspension of petroleum taxes, stronger and more accessible fuel subsidy programs and a review of existing policies governing the country’s oil industry,” Valbuena said.

“For drivers, every increase in diesel and gasoline means higher operating expenses and less take-home income. The impact extends beyond the transport sector, as higher fuel costs also contribute to increases in fares, delivery costs and the prices of basic goods and services,” he added.

Transport groups have been calling for the repeal of the Oil Deregulation Law and removal of taxes on fuel.

Aside from jeepney drivers, TNVS and motorcycle taxi groups will be joining the transport strike, according to Manibela.