Two major transport groups on Monday threatened to stage a nationwide strike from March 26 to 27 – the Thursday and Friday before Holy Week, when the expected exodus of Filipinos returning to their home provinces happens — amid rising fuel prices.
The Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide (PISTON), led by national president Modesto Floranda, said drivers and operators of jeepneys, buses, UV Express units, transportation network vehicle services (TNVS), and motorcycle taxis have agreed to hold a two-day “transport holiday” and protests nationwide.
In Metro Manila, protesters are set to gather at Welcome Rotonda on the Quezon City-Manila boundary and march to Mendiola on March 27, Floranda said.
Mar Valbuena, president of MANIBELA, also announced a separate two-day nationwide transport strike on the same dates.
Both groups cited surging fuel prices as the main reason for the planned protest, criticizing what they described as the government’s inadequate response to the continued increases in petroleum products.
Transport groups are calling for measures including a rollback of fuel prices, removal of value-added tax and excise taxes on petroleum, and fare adjustments, saying high fuel costs are eroding their income.
The planned strike is expected to disrupt public transportation in Metro Manila and several provinces, prompting some local government units to prepare contingency measures such as suspending face-to-face classes and deploying additional vehicles.
The government, for its part, has rolled out fuel subsidies and “libreng sakay” (free ride) programs to assist affected commuters, while appealing for dialogue to avoid large-scale disruptions.
