ILOILO City — Thousands of commuters across Panay Island could be left scrambling for rides next week as transport groups weigh a total shutdown of jeepney operations on September 29 and 30 in protest against soaring fuel prices and the government’s public utility vehicle modernization program.
The No to PUV Phaseout Coalition-Panay is holding intensive consultations with jeepney drivers and operators to determine whether to enforce a full “tigil-biyahe” across major routes or mount high-impact protest actions and picket lines along key thoroughfares.
Elmer Forro, lead convenor of the coalition’s Panay chapter, confirmed that preparations are underway for the group’s participation in the two-day nationwide transport strike called by progressive public transport group PISTON.
The protest could disrupt public transportation in Iloilo, Capiz, Aklan and Antique, depending on the extent of participation by local drivers and operators.
Forro said the planned action reflects growing frustration among transport workers over the government’s implementation of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) and sharp increases in petroleum prices that have further squeezed drivers’ daily earnings.
The Panay mobilization follows the nationwide strike announced on September 22 by PISTON national president Mody Floranda.
An estimated 70,000 to 100,000 traditional jeepney drivers and operators nationwide are expected to participate in the September 29-30 protest.
Major labor unions and urban poor organizations have also thrown their support behind the action, broadening what began as a transport protest into a multi-sectoral demonstration against rising living costs.
Transport groups are pressing the government to immediately remove the excise tax and value-added tax on petroleum products, roll back fuel prices to P55 per liter, repeal the Oil Deregulation Law, and implement wage increases for transport workers to offset inflation.
The planned strike comes after sharp increases in petroleum prices this September.
According to figures cited in the coalition’s report, diesel prices increased by P8.82 per liter, kerosene by P6.47 per liter and gasoline by P4.88 per liter.
Pump prices have reportedly climbed as high as P110 per liter in some areas, leaving some drivers with little income after paying their daily fuel expenses. Some have reportedly already stopped operating even before the scheduled strike.
The Department of Energy attributed the latest major fuel price increases to continuing tensions in the Middle East and their impact on global oil prices.
As the Panay coalition finalizes the form and extent of its participation, commuters are being advised to closely monitor announcements and prepare alternative transportation for September 29 and 30.
The final decision on whether the protest in Panay will result in a complete transport shutdown or a combination of reduced operations, demonstrations and picket lines is expected to depend on the outcome of consultations among participating drivers and operators./PN
