Transport group Piston launched a nationwide transport strike on Thursday, March 19, as drivers and operators pressed the government to address rising fuel prices and provide stronger support for the transport sector.
The strike, which runs until March 20, drew participation from drivers and operators across the country, including Cebu, where organizers identified key “choke points” such as Andoks, P. del Rosario Street near Landbank, and the Nasipit–Cabancalan Shell area.
The actions caused disruptions in traffic flow and public transportation in parts of the city.
Piston members gathered to protest what they described as the government’s inaction on soaring fuel costs, which they said continue to erode drivers’ daily earnings.
During a press briefing in Quezon City, Piston National President Mody Floranda said the protest involves not only transport workers but also commuters affected by rising 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.
The group is calling for immediate measures, including the removal of value-added tax (VAT) and excise taxes on fuel, a reduction of pump prices to around P55 per liter, and the repeal of the Oil Deregulation Law.
Piston is also pushing for a P5 increase in jeepney fares to help offset rising operating costs.
Floranda warned that if diesel prices reach P120 per liter, drivers consuming about 30 liters daily could lose around P3,600 a day.
He added that global tensions, particularly in the Middle East, continue to drive oil prices upward.
The group criticized the government’s P5,000 fuel subsidy, saying it is insufficient to ease the burden on transport workers.
Piston estimates that about 100,000 members nationwide are joining the strike and said protest actions will continue until the government responds to their demands.
Motorists and commuters in Cebu City were advised to expect disruptions in areas where transport workers staged protests during the two-day strike.
Photo by Jacq Hernandez
