Transport group Piston is set to hold a series of protest actions this week, including a demonstration outside the Department of Energy (DOE) on March 18 and a nationwide two-day transport strike on March 19 and 20.
The group said drivers and operators from across the country are expected to participate in the protests against rising fuel prices.
In Cebu City, organizers identified several “choke points” where transport workers will gather during the strike, including Andoks, P. del Rosario Street near Landbank, and the Nasipit–Cabancalan Shell area. Authorities warned these actions could disrupt traffic and public transportation in parts of the city.
The strike comes as transport groups continue to express concern over increasing diesel costs, which they say are steadily reducing drivers’ daily earnings.
During a press briefing in Quezon City, Piston National President Mody Floranda said the protests will involve both drivers and commuters affected by higher fuel prices.
“On March 19, we will launch, not only in the National Capital Region but throughout the country, a protest and strike led by drivers and operators and the masses against the inaction of President Bongbong Marcos’ administration,” Floranda said.
He added that global tensions, particularly in the Middle East, are also contributing to the rise in oil prices.
Apart from protests, Piston plans to push for a P5 increase in jeepney fares to help offset higher operating costs.
Floranda warned that if diesel prices reach P120 per liter, drivers consuming around 30 liters daily could lose roughly P3,600 a day.
He also criticized the government’s P5,000 fuel subsidy as insufficient to ease the burden on transport workers.
Piston is urging lawmakers to remove the value-added tax (VAT) and excise taxes on fuel, bring pump prices down to about P55 per liter, and repeal the Oil Deregulation Law, which the group says allows oil companies too much freedom in pricing.
The group estimates that around 100,000 members nationwide could join the strike.
Organizers said the actions will continue until the government addresses their demands on fuel prices and transport sector support.
Motorists and commuters in Cebu City are advised to anticipate disruptions along the planned choke points during the two-day strike. (LLP)
