Piston eyes transport strike this month

MANILA, Philippines — Transport group Piston has announced plans to mount a nationwide strike by the end of March amid the Middle East crisis.

Piston president Mody Floranda said the government’s efforts to support the transport sector amid a projected P23 per liter hike in diesel price is not enough, especially if the excise and value-added taxes on fuel are not repealed.

With the recent price hikes, Floranda stressed that direct income loss for public transportation has reached P42,000 within 25 days.

“With oil taxes considered, around P6,000 more is lost in our sector,” he said.

Officials say the ongoing conflict in the Middle East affecting the global oil market may last up to two months.

Transport Secretary Giovanni Lopez said the national government has allocated P2.5 billion for fuel subsidies for the public transportation sector.

The government will roll out the distribution once oil price reaches $80 per barrel in the world market.

“At first glance, this may look helpful. However, what’s the point of the subsidy if oil prices continuously increase?” Floranda criticized.

“What’s more urgent is for the President to issue an executive order suspending the implementation of VAT and excise tax on oil,” he added.

On Monday, the transport group will hold a rally on East Ave., Quezon City, to condemn the big-time increase in oil prices.