The transport group PISTON has officially confirmed its participation in a three-day nationwide transport strike, set to commence tomorrow, April 15, and continue through Friday, April 17. This action underscores a growing discontent among public transport drivers over escalating fuel costs and government policies affecting the industry.
Protest Demands and Extended Timeline
According to PISTON president Mody Floranda, the strike will not be a short-lived event. The group plans to sustain its protests beyond the initial three days, extending through May 1, Labor Day, until their key demands are met. Floranda emphasized that the primary objectives include the repeal of the Oil Deregulation Law and the removal of the value added tax (VAT) on oil products.
Insufficient Price Rollbacks
Floranda pointed out that while recent price rollbacks for petroleum products have been implemented, these measures are inadequate to offset the cumulative increases in oil prices over the past months. He argued that such temporary relief does little to address the long-term financial burdens faced by drivers.
Call for Excise Tax Removal
In response to the ongoing crisis, PISTON is advocating for the elimination of excise taxes on petroleum products. Floranda contends that this approach would provide more substantial and lasting relief compared to discount schemes targeted at public transport drivers. He highlighted that discount programs are often limited in scope and fail to adequately mitigate the financial strain experienced by the driving community.
Opposition from Other Groups
Not all transport organizations are aligning with this protest. The group ALTODAP has announced it will not participate in the planned strike. ALTODAP national president Melencio Vargas expressed concerns that the strike would primarily inconvenience commuters, who are not responsible for the rising oil prices. Vargas noted that ALTODAP, along with other groups such as Pasang Masda and Busina, will abstain from the action, citing a desire to avoid disruptions to the public.
Broader Implications
This nationwide strike highlights deep-seated issues within the transport sector, including economic pressures from fuel taxation and regulatory frameworks. As PISTON mobilizes its members, the potential for widespread travel disruptions looms, affecting daily commutes and economic activities across the country. The extended protest timeline suggests a determined push for policy changes, setting the stage for ongoing debates over energy costs and labor rights in the coming weeks.
