‘KALBARYO SANG PUMULUYO’: Groups decry fuel price surges, state neglect

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By Juliane Judilla

In the lead-up to Holy Week, transport and progressive groups staged a protest dubbed “Kalbaryo sang Pumuluyo” on March 31, marching to three gasoline stations here to denounce continuing fuel price increases ahead of Holy Week.

The demonstration was led by Bagong Alyansang Makabayan Panay.

Organizers said the protest condemned what they described as “state neglect” under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

They criticized the administration for being “deaf, mute, and inutile,” and for offering what they called short-term, band-aid responses instead of comprehensive, long-term solutions.

Jeepney drivers carried a large makeshift cross during the march to symbolize the hardship faced by ordinary Filipinos.

Protesters also portrayed figures wearing masks of former U.S. President Donald Trump and President Marcos as whipping a man carrying the cross.

The imagery was meant to suggest that the suffering of Filipinos is rooted in what demonstrators called a “puppet” Marcos administration beholden to U.S. influence.

The groups linked the latest fuel price increases to rising tensions in West Asia and broader global oil market instability.

The protest reflected wider grievances among drivers and transport operators already struggling with higher operating costs.

The groups renewed their call for the repeal of the Oil Deregulation Law, or Republic Act No. 8479, which liberalized the downstream oil industry and removed government control over oil pricing.

They also demanded the removal of the 12% value-added tax and excise taxes on fuel.

The protesters called for an immediate rollback of oil prices to PHP 55 per liter.

They also pressed the government to provide substantial and sustained fuel subsidies and financial assistance for drivers.

Their demands came as oil firms implemented another round of pump price increases on Tuesday, March 31.

Industry advisories showed that gasoline prices rose by about PHP 1.90 to PHP 2.90 per liter, diesel by PHP 11.90 to PHP 12.90 per liter, and kerosene by PHP 1.40 to PHP 2.40 per liter, depending on the retailer.

The latest adjustment marked the 12th straight weekly increase for gasoline and the 14th for both diesel and kerosene, according to published company advisories.

Last week, Marcos declared a state of national energy emergency, citing threats to the country’s fuel supply and the economic impact of the conflict in the Middle East.

Organizers said the “Kalbaryo sang Pumuluyo” protest was intended to highlight the continuing burden borne by ordinary Filipinos.

By drawing parallels to the suffering of Jesus Christ on Calvary, they called for greater solidarity and urgent action on what they described as systemic economic problems affecting the country.