The transport group Piston is set to stage a fresh protest and noise barrage at various terminals and public markets tomorrow, April 7, as part of an escalating campaign to demand immediate government action on the relentless surge in oil prices. This move aims to intensify pressure on the Marcos administration to address the severe hardships faced by the transport sector due to uncontrolled fuel cost increases.
Core Demands of the Protest
According to PISTON National President Mody Floranda, the protest will involve drivers and conductors from different public utility vehicles (PUVs), gathering at key locations to voice their grievances. The group is calling for the complete abolition of the excise tax on petroleum products, arguing that this measure is essential to lower fuel prices in the local market and provide relief to consumers and operators alike.
Targeting Regulatory Frameworks
In addition to tax removal, Piston will reiterate its demand for the outright repeal of the Oil Deregulation Law. The organization contends that this law has enabled oil companies to set prices freely, undermining government control and exacerbating the volatility in the petroleum market. Floranda emphasized that the current regulatory environment fails to protect the transport sector from the adverse effects of continuous price hikes.
The timing of the protest is strategic, coinciding with another significant oil price increase scheduled for implementation tomorrow. By aligning their actions with this event, Piston seeks to highlight the urgent need for policy reforms to stabilize the economy and support vulnerable industries. The group plans to use the noise barrage as a symbolic gesture to amplify their message and draw public attention to the ongoing oil crisis.
This protest follows previous demonstrations by Piston, reflecting growing frustration within the transport community over what they perceive as inadequate government response to the fuel price crisis. The event is expected to draw participants from across the sector, underscoring the widespread impact of rising costs on livelihoods and operational sustainability.
