Transport group Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON) on Sunday, June 22, strongly condemned the impending big-time oil price hikes looms this Tuesday.
In an interview with Sunday Updates, PISTON National President Mody Floranda voiced the frustrations of transport workers who are bracing for another price adjustment with diesel, reportedly increasing by up to P4.80 per liter.
“Mariing nating kinukundina ang napipintong pagtaas [ng produktong petrolyo], merong P4.80 na kung saan darating ngayong araw ng Martes ay papasanin ito ng ating mga drivers at mga operator at syempre ng mga mamamayan,” Floranda said.
Floranda warned that oil price hikes lead to higher costs of basic goods and services, further burdening ordinary Filipinos.
“Alam naman natin na kapag tumataas ang presyo ng mga petrolyo, ang kaakibat nito ay pagtaas din ng mga pangunahing serbisyo at pangangailangan ng ating mga mamamayang Pilipino.”
He called on President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to issue an executive order to suspend excise taxes on petroleum products to ease the financial pressure on drivers and the general public.
DOTr fuel subsidy ‘not enough’
Responding to the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) announcement that it is preparing fuel subsidies, Floranda said these measures fall short of meeting the sector’s needs.
“Sa isang tingin makakatulong kahit papaano, pero hindi ito ‘yung makakapagresponde sa magiging kalagayan ng ating sektor, ng ating mga driver, at ng operator at syempre ng ating mga mamamayan,” he stressed.
He cited previous experiences, saying the P6,500 fuel subsidy often lasts only four days for many drivers and operators.
“Marami na tayong karanasan sa mga subsidy na ‘yan. Bigyan na naman sila ng P6,500, halos apat na araw lang po gagastusin ‘yan ng ating mga driver at mga operator.”
Floranda explained that a P5 increase in diesel means drivers lose P530 per day, which, over 25 working days, results in thousands of pesos in lost income — money drivers could otherwise spend on school expenses for their children.
He also challenged the effectiveness of the proposed P1 fare increase by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
“Tingin natin hindi sasapat ang P1 na ipinapangako ng LTFRB. Kasi ang malaking problema nito, ipapasa natin ang pabigat sa ating mga mamamayan.”
Meanwhile, Floranda pointed out that since January 2024, diesel prices have risen by P18 per liter, costing drivers an estimated P10,000 in lost income.
In response to DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon’s appeal to avoid transport strikes, Floranda said protests are a legitimate right.
“Sa atin, hindi natin ipagpapalit ang pagkilos sa usapin ng subsidiya dahil ang pakilos po ay karapatan ng driver at mga operator, ng mamamayan para ipagtanggol ang kanilang kabuhayan.”
“Ang subsidy na pinagmamayabang ng DOTr ay halos hindi po ‘yan sasapat sa pangangailangan ng ating driver at mga operator, “ he added.
Floranda criticized what he called "band-aid solutions" and called for comprehensive reform.
“Dapat iniisip ng gobyerno ay ang kabuhayan ng mga driver, hindi po kalsada na kapag may nakita pong lubak ay tatapalan mo lamang. Kailangan ng solusyon ng gobyerno ‘yung mahaba, na hindi patchi-patching solusyon.”
PISTON announced protest actions will begin Monday, June 23, in terminals and local communities, culminating in a coordinated mobilization at Philcoa, Commonwealth, Avenue, Quezon City on Tuesday, June 24, at 8:00 AM.
The group said similar actions will also be held in various regions nationwide.
“Tayo po ay tuloy-tuloy na magkakaroon ng pagkilos sa mga terminal, sa mga palengke, para ipaabot at kalampagin ito mismong administrasyon sa kaniyang kapabayaan sa nagaganap na pagtaas ng presyo ng petrolyo.”
Floranda added that there have been reports of drivers and operators already halting operations due to the unsustainable cost of fuel.
The Department of Energy earlier said that the significant price hike is mainly due to ongoing tensions between Israel and Iran, which pose a threat to vital global shipping routes.
