From ABS-CBN News

By Noriko Yamamoto

On Wednesday, April 15, transport organization Manibela started a three-day nationwide transport strike with 500,000 members across the country taking part until Friday due to the government’s slow response regarding the rising fuel prices.

Protesters began gathering before sunrise at Philcoa along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City, which has been designated as the main strike center.

The strike also took place in Metro Manila, Cebu, Bacolod, Iloilo, Tacloban, Ormoc, Samar, Catbalogan, Catarman, Iligan, Ozamiz, General Santos City, Davao, and Cagayan de Oro.

Manibela chairman Mar Valbuena explained that the stoppage was prompted by the government’s “slow response in the oil price hikes,” stressing that “dapat i-rollback ang presyo ng langis.”

Valbuena also called on the President to suspend excise and value-added taxes, while criticizing the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) for their slow actions in response to the crisis. 

Additionally, the group rejected the Service Contracting Program, with Valbuena saying, “Out of 300,000 na PUJs (Public Utility Jeepneys ), ang sinasabi nila 50,000 lang ang makakasama.“

He added, “Ano pong tulong ang magagawa nila rito?”

Driver Bartolome Orella shared his struggles that the rising fuel costs brought upon, stating, “Walang pangkain. Dalawang ikot, hihinto na. Kaunti na lang ang kinikita, wala na.”

Commuter Anton Hernandez also described its impact on passengers, saying, “Sobrang hirap kailangan naming gumising nang maaga. Kalbaryo na naman … Babaan na lang presyo ng langis.”

Another commuter, Lourdes Saludar, added, “Mahirap talaga. Punuan na talaga, takbuhan. Sana taasan din ang sahod namin kasi tumataas na rin ang bilihin sa palengke.”Valbuena then apologized to commuters, explaning, “Kasama sila sa pinagtatanggol ng Manibela … Itong ipinaglalaban namin para sa kanila ito na mai-rollback ang presyo ng petrolyo at hindi magtaas ang bilihin.”

Valbuena emphasized that ongoing transport strikes will serve as a way to make both the public and the government aware of the hardships caused by rising oil prices amid the growing tensions in the Middle East.