Transport Groups Announce 3-Day Strike Amid Soaring Oil Prices

MANILA, Philippines — Several transport organizations will hold a three-day transport strike on Aug. 10 to 12, the group Manibela announced on Monday, Aug. 3. The scheduled strike, the latest since the last one held from July 22 to 23, is their protest against the relentless oil price hikes, the transport group said. This week, the price of gasoline in some areas has increased by P1.30 per liter, diesel by P3.30 per liter, and kerosene by P2.60 per liter. Manibela president Mar Valbuena said that the strike was in protest of the oil price hikes and the government's alleged failure to address the issue. He added that the group is seeking a rollback in fuel taxes and the suspension of excise taxes and value-added taxes on fuel. "We are not asking for a fare hike. We are asking for a rollback in fuel taxes," Valbuena said. He added that the strike would push through despite the government's appeal for them to reconsider. "We have exhausted all our options. This is our last resort," Valbuena said. The transport strike is expected to affect thousands of commuters and passengers, as well as the delivery of goods and services. Meanwhile, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) urged transport groups to reconsider their strike plans and instead engage in dialogue with the government. "We understand the concerns of the transport groups. We are willing to listen to their grievances and find solutions together," LTFRB chairperson Teofilo Guadiz III said. He added that the LTFRB is working with other government agencies to ensure the availability of alternative transportation for commuters during the strike. Source: Inquirer NewsInfo