Transport group PISTON has rejected the government’s service contracting and “libreng sakay” initiatives, arguing that these measures fail to address the root cause of the crisis—soaring fuel prices.
The group issued the statement on March 31 in response to programs rolled out by the administration to ease the burden on commuters amid rising oil costs linked to tensions in the Middle East.
According to PISTON, such initiatives do not provide lasting relief for drivers struggling with high fuel expenses.
“Hindi nilulutas ng service contracting at libreng sakay ang isyu ng mataas na presyo ng langis, na siyang pumapatay ngayon sa kabuhayan ng tsuper,” the group said.
The alliance cited feedback from drivers in Manila who participated in the free ride program, claiming that diesel subsidies were insufficient. As a result, some drivers allegedly had to use their own earnings to meet required trip quotas.
PISTON further criticized the programs as poorly designed, calling them ineffective and disconnected from the realities faced by transport workers. The group also accused the government of protecting major oil firms such as Petron, Shell, and Caltex from accountability over alleged overpricing.
In reiterating its stance, PISTON outlined a six-point demand, including the removal of value-added tax and excise taxes on petroleum products, a rollback of fuel prices to ₱55 per liter, and the repeal of the Oil Deregulation Law in favor of price controls.
The group also called for fare increases across transport modes, a ₱1,200 family living wage, and the nationalization of the oil industry to allow the government to directly manage fuel procurement and pricing.
Additionally, the group urged an end to U.S. military involvement in the Middle East, linking global geopolitical tensions to rising oil prices.
PISTON ended its statement with strong criticism of the current administration, urging transport workers to hold both the government and oil companies accountable for the ongoing fuel crisis.