BACOLOD CITY, Negros Occidental, Philippines – Will they or will they not?
The coalition of drivers here are planning a more drastic approach for the reduction of fuel prices by firms by indefinite suspending public transportation.
Transport groups under the Negros-Bacolod Transport Federation kick off their Drivers’ Holiday Wednesday, on 15 June 2022.
Diego Malacad of PISTON-Negros told DNX jeepney drivers will be requested to not ply their routes until the national government acts on their demand to lower fuel prices.
He also said his group will not be joining calls for a P15 fare, but they are calling instead to look into the possibility of abolishing excise tax, or any other levy imposed on fuel.
Minus these impositions, the hike in the prices of oil would not be as steep.
Malacad said that during the so-called Holiday, drivers may or may not opt to ply their routes. They might also seek an arrangement with their operators to either reduce rental, or to shoulder the rising cost of fuel.
One thing is sure: this is no ordinary untat-biyahe as this could go on indefinitely unless oil firms will rollback prices of oil by at least P3.
His group, he also clarified, did not join the calls for the implement the P15 fare rate.
They will also finalize their stand on the unabated oil price hike through a position paper that they will furnish the Sangguniang Panlalawigan through Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer.
They will also seek an audience with Bacolod Cong. Greg Gasataya to air their position.
The Drivers Holiday, he added, will send a message to the national government on what will happen if public transportation is gone.
