Bacolod offers free rides amid three-day transport strike

BACOLOD CITY — Mayor Greg Gasataya met with transport leaders Monday as he expressed concern over the financial strain caused by rising fuel prices on the transport sector and the city government’s operations.

The dialogue came as transport group MANIBELA began a three-day nationwide strike from Sept. 28 to 30 to protest rising fuel prices, while PISTON was set to hold a separate two-day strike beginning Sept. 29.

“All of us are deeply affected by these ongoing fuel price hikes. That is why we truly understand what you are going through,” Gasataya said, acknowledging that the city government’s fuel budget is also under heavy strain.

Rudy Catedral, president of the Bacolod Alliance of Commuters, Operators and Drivers-Negros Island, or BACODNI-MANIBELA, raised the group’s appeals to the national government, including the temporary suspension of the 12% value-added tax and excise taxes on fuel products.

The national government on Sept. 25 temporarily suspended excise taxes on liquefied petroleum gas and kerosene, while excise taxes on gasoline and diesel remained in place.

Catedral also sought local government interventions to help ease the impact of rising fuel costs on drivers and operators.

Transport leaders assured Gasataya that Tuesday’s protest action would maintain partial operations across city routes so workers, students and other commuters could continue traveling with minimal disruption.

Gasataya assured the public that safety would be maintained in coordination with the Bacolod City Police Office.

The city government will also conduct “Libre Sakay,” or free-ride operations, for commuters in key areas of the city.

Two vehicles will be stationed in Bata near the Mormons Church.

Other designated areas are Alijis at Crossing/Circumferential near 7-Eleven, Handumanan at the barangay gym, Sum-ag near Phoenix Gas Station and Granada at the barangay hall.