By By Juliane Judilla
ILOILO CITY — Nearly a thousand jeepney drivers, operators, and commuters joined the two-day People’s Strike on March 19 and 20, staging coordinated protest actions across Iloilo City to press for urgent government intervention on rising fuel prices.
The strike was carried out in four identified strike centers: Tagbak Terminal, Ungka ITGSI Terminal, Infante Flyover, and the Iloilo Provincial Capitol. Participants temporarily halted operations and held assemblies to highlight the worsening impact of fuel price hikes on the transport sector and the commuting public.
Led by No To PUV Phaseout Coalition (NTPPC) Panay, Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON) Panay, Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) Panay, and various transport associations, the action seeks to amplify calls to lower oil prices, which they say have become increasingly burdensome amid the country’s struggling economy. The groups noted that the continued increase in fuel costs has significantly reduced drivers’ daily earnings, while also forcing commuters to cope with higher fares and living expenses.
In addition to price rollbacks, the groups are demanding adequate and timely government subsidies to cushion losses in the transport sector. They are also calling for the removal of the 12% value-added tax (VAT) and excise taxes on petroleum products, arguing that these measures contribute to the steady rise not only in fuel prices but also in the cost of essential goods.
Similar protest actions were also mounted by transport groups in Aklan and Capiz, signaling growing regional solidarity over the issue.
The groups hinted that further collective actions may be carried out if their demands remain unaddressed./PT
