MANILA, Philippines — Public transport groups demanded a price rollback of fuel prices to pre-crisis levels and for the government to subsidize the rest.
In a press conference at the Quezon Memorial Circle on Wednesday, the United Transport Alliance Nationwide (UTAN) said the demand of P55 per liter of diesel and P58 for gasoline was non-negotiable and that it would push for a fare increase as a second option although no amount was set.
“But we were all against such plan for a fare increase because if that happens, all sectors would be affected and they would also demand for theirs, which is more problematic in the long run especially for the government,” said Ariel Lim, National Public Transport Coalition president, in Filipino.
The group reiterated that government subsidy for every liter of diesel and gasoline would be the best solution so that other sectors would not be directly affected and, as a result, would not demand for anything for their interest.
“We are giving the Marcos government the best solution which we believed was more doable and by maximizing its resources – the taxpayers’ money – properly and wisely, we can weather this difficult situation we are all in,” said Jun Magno, Truck Drivers Philippines head.
That is why, a rollback to its original prices before the Middle East war was feasible, said Exequiel Longares, UV Express National Alliance of the Philippines president.
The P5,000 financial aid will not effectively help the drivers and operators, adding that the payout could also be a source of corruption as many drivers have yet to receive the money.
It said it would give the government one week to decide on its demand or face a massive transport holiday.
“Now, that we are all one here with just one purpose and demand, we can totally paralyze all transport systems all over the country and this time, we would not announce when and how long,” the transport leaders declared.
Top leaders of nearly 20 national transport organizations were present during the press conference, including the heads of the Alliance of Concerned Trasport Organizations, Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide and Manibela.
