Transport group Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON) has declared a nationwide transport strike on March 19 to protest continued fuel price hikes linked to tensions in the Middle East.
“Ngayong darating po na March 19 ay idedeklara po natin at ilulunsad po natin, hindi lamang po sa National Capital Region kundi sa buong bansa,” said PISTON national president Mody Floranda during a press conference.
He added: “Ang isang protesta at welga na pangungunahan ng driver, operator, at mamamayan laban sa pagkainutil ng administrasyon ni Bongbong Marcos, laban sa US aggression na kung saan ay nagdudulot ng pahirap sa mamamayang Pilipino.”
Aside from the strike, PISTON will file a petition seeking a ₱5 fare increase to offset income losses caused by rising fuel costs. The group criticized the government’s ₱5,000 cash aid for drivers and operators, saying it is insufficient and only covers a few days of fuel expenses.
PISTON also urged oil companies to sell cheaper fuel stocks first before implementing price hikes and called for the repeal of the Oil Deregulation Law, arguing that it allows oil firms to freely dictate prices. The group further demanded the suspension of excise taxes on petroleum products.
Meanwhile, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is expected to issue its recommendation on a proposed fare increase later this week.