PISTON Продолжает Общенациональную Забастовку, Manibela Отменяет Протест

PISTON’s Demands and Protest Activities

PISTON’s Demands and Protest Activities

PISTON President Mody Floranda stated that approximately 70,000 to 100,000 jeepney drivers and operators nationwide participated in the strike. The group demanded lower fuel prices, specifically aiming for diesel to return to P55 per liter, and the removal of value-added and excise taxes on petroleum products. PISTON also called for the repeal of the Downstream Oil Industry Deregulation Act, arguing that this would allow the government to regain independent control over fuel prices.

«Наша борьба не заканчивается двухдневной забастовкой. Это лишь часть гораздо более долгой борьбы», — заявили в PISTON. В другом заявлении Mody Floranda отметил: «Несмотря на громкий призыв жителей Лусона, Висайских островов и Минданао, всё, что мы получили от администрации Marcos, — это скудная помощь, неадекватное повышение тарифов и жалкое прибавление к зарплате».

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority monitoring of protesters

On Wednesday morning, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) personnel monitored protesters gathering at Aurora West Point westbound at 6:41 a.m. PISTON members held a program along Aurora Boulevard corner West Point Street in Cubao, Quezon City. By 2 p.m., protesters gathered at Welcome Rotonda before marching to Mendiola at 3 p.m. Philippine National Police personnel were deployed to maintain peace and order, while the Manila Public Information Office advised motorists to avoid the Recto and Legarda areas due to the ongoing protest.

Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board pending petition

PISTON expressed opposition to a possible fare rollback, instead maintaining a pending petition before the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to increase the minimum jeepney fare from P13 to P23. The group argued that the P1 hike that took effect Monday was insufficient to offset rising fuel costs. Celso, a PISTON member who operates the Cubao-Divisoria route, noted that he earned only P200 on his last day of operation and was willing to sacrifice two days of income to press their demands.

The LTFRB noted that the minimum fare for traditional jeepneys is currently P14. The board stated that a fare reduction could be considered if fuel prices decline and a formal petition is filed, similar to a reduction implemented in 2018.

Mar Valbuena rice distribution ceremony

Manibela chairman Mar Valbuena stated that his group is neither pro- nor anti-President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Как заявила группа: «Мы не поддерживаем PBBM и не выступаем против него. Мы боремся не за какой-либо политический окрас, а за средства к существованию, права и благополучие филиппинцев».

Following the first day of its strike, Manibela held discussions with the Land Transportation Office (LTO). Subsequently, Valbuena attended a rice distribution ceremony led by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos. During the event, which was also attended by LTO chief Markus Lacalinao, the First Lady suggested that Valbuena stop the transport strikes. Valbuena responded with the peace-sign gesture associated with President Marcos during the 2022 elections.

Business as Usual

Despite the strike, many jeepney drivers in Muntinlupa and Parañaque continued to operate. Nestor Bustamente, a jeepney driver in Parañaque, stated that while the P1 fare increase and a recent P7.57 diesel price rollback were not enough to offset costs, he chose to work because he could not afford to lose income. Commuters were also able to find jeepneys operating along routes from Cubao to Divisoria and Quiapo. Authorities stated they would continue to monitor the situation to ensure safety and the orderly flow of traffic.

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