Iloilo transport strike draws nearly 1,000 protesters

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By Juliane Judilla

Nearly 1,000 jeepney drivers, operators and commuters joined a two-day “People’s Strike” on March 19 and 20, staging coordinated protest actions across Iloilo City to demand urgent government intervention over rising fuel prices.

The strike was held at four identified centers: Tagbak Terminal, Ungka ITGSI Terminal, Infante Flyover and the Iloilo Provincial Capitol.

Participants temporarily halted operations and held assemblies to highlight the worsening impact of fuel price increases on the transport sector and the commuting public.

The action was led by No To PUV Phaseout Coalition Panay, PISTON Panay, BAYAN Panay and various transport groups seeking to amplify calls for lower oil prices amid continuing economic pressure.

The groups said continued increases in fuel costs have sharply reduced drivers’ daily earnings while forcing commuters to contend with higher transport and living expenses.

Aside from price rollbacks, the protesters are demanding adequate and timely government subsidies to cushion losses in the transport sector.

They are also calling for the removal of the 12% value-added tax and excise taxes on petroleum products, arguing that these add to the rise in fuel prices and the cost of essential goods.

Similar protest actions were mounted in Aklan and Capiz, reflecting broader regional solidarity on the issue.

The strike in Iloilo formed part of a wider national protest staged by transport groups and allied organizations over surging fuel prices.

The groups said they may launch more collective actions if their demands remain unaddressed.