From Inquirer

By Alexia Bangayan

On Thursday, March 19, Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON), together with the progressive alliance Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN), and other transport organizations initiated a nationwide strike in protest of the ongoing surge in fuel prices.

The strike aims to pressure the government to address soaring fuel costs by demanding the removal of value-added tax (VAT) and excise taxes on fuel, as well as a rollback on fuel prices to P55 per liter.

They are also seeking a P5 fare increase for all public utility vehicles (PUV) and a P1,200 across-the-board wage increase for workers.

The protest began with a press conference at Welcome Rotunda in Quezon City, and included 15 to 20 designated strike centers across Metro Manila.

Moreover, BAYAN reported that the strike has reached key areas, including Cubao, Litex, Pasig, Marikina, and Alabang, spreading to major provinces such as Cavite, Bulacan, Cebu, and parts of Mindanao.

According to PISTON president Mody Floranda, current wages are no longer sustainable and the government’s P5,000 fuel subsidy program was just a ‘‘band-aid’’ solution that would quickly run out if prices continued to increase.

Other transport representatives expressed similar concerns.

The strike followed President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s suspension of a recent fare hike and offered free rides for commuters instead.

In response to the strike, several universities and colleges have moved classes online or have suspended face-to-face classes for the day.

PISTON and its allied organizations are also expected to rally at Mendiola on Friday, March 20.