THE transport group Manibela called for lower prices of petroleum products and the removal of excise taxes during the start of its planned three-day strike on Monday.
Manibela Chairman Mar Valbuena said the protest was aimed at pressing the government to address concerns affecting drivers and the transport sector.
Joining Manibela in the protest were the Confederation of Truckers Association of the Philippines (CTAP), transport network vehicle service (TNVS) drivers, motorcycle taxi riders and UV Express drivers.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said rallyists gathered at Commonwealth Philcoa as early as 6:21 a.m.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said Manibela’s petition for a P2 increase in the minimum fare remains under review.
LTFRB acting Chairman Greg Pua Jr. said the board did not dismiss or deny Manibela’s petition and would hold another hearing to consider additional evidence.
Pua also addressed concerns raised by motorcycle taxi riders.
Also on Monday, transport group Piston said it will proceed with its own nationwide transport strike on Tuesday and Wednesday despite warnings from government officials that participating drivers and operators face penalties.
“The Marcos government is afraid of the people’s anger,” Piston National President Mody Floranda said in Filipino during a press conference.
He said the fare increase and wage hike in Metro Manila were insufficient to address the concerns of drivers and workers.
Floranda said drivers spend around P3,000 a day on diesel, while the additional income from a P1 fare increase would amount to about P200 for 200 passengers.
Piston expects the strike to affect Metro Manila and nearby provinces, Iloilo, Aklan, Capiz, Bacolod, Cebu, and cities of General Santos, Legazpi and Baguio.
