• THERESA MAE DULMAN
A coalition of transport and sectoral organizations staged a protest rally at the flyover in Barangay Bata yesterday, to demand the immediate suspension of fuel taxes.
The mobilization called for a moratorium on value added tax and excise tax under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law to alleviate the burden of rising fuel prices.
The rally was led by UNDOC-PISTON and the Bacolod Alliance of Commuters Operators and Drivers Inc. (BACOD-MANIBELA), alongside sectoral groups Gabriela, KMU Negros, Bayan, KMP-Negros, and Kadamay.
Rudy Cathedral of BACOD-MANIBELA clarified that the group’s participation was not intended to lobby for a fare hike, but rather to ensure all drivers and operators can access fuel subsidies from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and the local government.
“The LTFRB has not approved everyone to receive aid, specifically our members who operate out-of-town routes,” he said.
The protesters also pushed for the repeal of the Oil Deregulation Law, arguing that government intervention is necessary amid price hikes linked to geopolitical tensions.
To further mitigate operational costs, the group requested the implementation of universal fuel subsidies for all drivers and operators.
Beyond tax relief, the group appealed for a national wage increase and a reduction in the market prices of rice and other basic commodities.*
