BACOLOD CITY, Negros Occidental, Philippines – The impending public transport strike could drag on indefinitely if fuel prices continue to rise.
This is according to Diego Malacad of the Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator who said the unabated increases in the prices of oil have also resulted in losses of income among small drivers.
Malacad also said shops are also expected to close, as the business sector are backing the move, while church leaders have also expressed their support to the impending suspension of trips among public vehicles.
The Solidarity of Transport Alliance in Negros for Democracy with Urban Poor and Negros Consumers Watch, in a joint statement, said other transport groups, private institutions, churches, BPOs, professionals, business sector, and consumers’ groups will be holding a peaceful people’s protest and transport holiday on 21 March and 22 March 2022 to coincide with the transport strike.
The protest will culminate in a thanksgiving ecumenical prayer at the Fountain of Justice at 3 pm.
Malacad has called on commuters to stay at home in solidarity with the public transport’s suspension of trips and to avoid going out unless urgent.
