MANILA, Philippines — Transport group Piston said Monday that it will proceed with its nationwide transport strike and protests on Sept. 29-30 despite warnings of penalties against drivers and operators who join the strike.
The development came as transport group Manibela also held a protest Monday as part of its three-day transport strike over rising fuel prices and other concerns affecting drivers.
Piston National President Mody Floranda said the group, along with commuter, consumer and basic-sector organizations, would continue the planned strike.
"The Marcos government is afraid of the people's anger," Floranda said in Filipino during a press conference in Cubao, Quezon City.
He said the fare increase and wage hike in Metro Manila were insufficient to address the concerns of drivers and workers.
Floranda also cited rising diesel costs, saying drivers may 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 said the strike and protests will begin Tuesday, Sept. 29, with centers in Metro Manila, nearby provinces and several regions.
In Metro Manila and nearby provinces, listed centers include Cubao Westpoint corner Aurora Avenue, E. Rodriguez near Araneta, Novaliches Sarmiento, Taft-Agoncillo corner Pedro Gil, Tondo, Monumento, Navotas, Pasig Palengke, Cainta Junction, Baclaran, Alabang, Sucat, Molino and Golden Acres in Las Piñas, Philcoa, Sta. Mesa, Litex Market and Sampaloc.
Piston also listed protest centers in Iloilo, Aklan, Capiz, Bacolod, Cebu, General Santos, Legazpi and Baguio.
