• THERESA MAE DULMAN
Around 1,000 traditional jeepney units in Bacolod City are scheduled to participate in a transport strike on Wednesday, April 15, joining a broader nationwide protest.
The strike is organized by the Bacolod Alliance of Commuters and Drivers-MANIBELA, along with other transport groups such as Kabacod Negros Transport Coalition, and United Negros Drivers and Operators Center.
The transport strike will run from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. at major locations, including the Bata flyover, the Magsaysay flyover, and the intersection of Lopez Jaena and Burgos streets.
BACOD-MANIBELA President Rudy Catedral stated that the protest includes various transport sectors, such as taxi and tricycle associations, as well as supporters from the church and agricultural sectors.
The groups are calling on the national government to suspend excise taxes and value-added tax on fuel, and to address concerns regarding the Oil Deregulation Law.
Drivers have expressed frustration over the lack of national subsidies, noting that while lists for assistance have been compiled by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, many operators and drivers have yet to receive actual financial aid.
Catedral clarified that the strike is directed at national policy rather than the local government, acknowledging the efforts of the city government to provide local assistance.
He issued an apology to the commuting public for the expected disruption, maintaining that the action is intended to secure long-term economic relief for both the transport sector and the riding public.*
