PISTON to hold nationwide transport strike on March 19, eyes P5 fare hike

Transport group PISTON on Monday announced a nationwide transport strike on March 19, Thursday, to protest against the series of fuel price hikes due to the tensions in the Middle East.

“Ngayong darating po na March 19 ay idedeklara po natin at ilulunsad po natin, hindi lamang po sa National Capital Region kundi sa buong bansa,” PISTON national president Mody Floranda said during a press conference.

(We will launch it on March 19, not only in the National Capital Region but across the country.)

“Ang isang protesta at welga na pangungunahan ng driver, operator, at mamamayan laban sa pagkainutil ng administrasyon ni Bongbong Marcos, laban sa US aggression na kung saan ay nagdudulot ng pahirap sa mamamayang Pilipino,” he added.

(A protest and strike will be led by drivers, operators, and citizens against the inaction of the Bongbong Marcos administration and US aggression which are causing difficulties to the Filipino people.)

Aside from this, Floranda said PISTON is set to file for a P5 fare increase to help drivers recover lost income.

PISTON criticized the government for its P5,000 cash aid for affected drivers and operators, saying that the amount is insufficient and may only cover a few days of fuel expenses.

Floranda also called on oil companies to first sell cheaper fuel stocks before raising their prices due to the recent international market changes.

PISTON urged the government to scrap the Oil Deregulation Law, saying it allows oil companies to freely dictate fuel prices. The group also demanded the suspension of excise taxes on fuel products. —AOL, GMA Integrated News