PISTON-Cebu handout photo
CEBU CITY — The Cebu chapter of public transport sector group Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator Nationwide joined the organization's call for a nationwide strike on Tuesday.
The group made four chokepoints in different parts of the city before converging on Colon Street in downtown Cebu.
Several progressive groups also joined the protest against price increases in petroleum prices. High fuel prices affect transportation costs and affects the prices of goods.
Danilo Gato of PISTON-Cebu said price increases, including for petroleum prices, have become a heavy burden for drivers and for consumers.
The group wants the value-added and excise taxes on petroleum products scrapped to bring pump prices down to P55 per liter.
The Department of Energy on Monday announced price cuts of P7.60-P7.57 per liter for diesel and P0.24 to P0.30 per liter of gasoline effective Tuesday.
The DOE does not regulate fuel prices but monitors them for potential overpricing.
The Cebu City government said the strike has not affected commuters, with Cebu City Councilor Dave Tumulak said many PUV drivers are not members of PISTON.
“Provincial buses [are] on standby if the need arises and [Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board] will issue a special permit," he also said.
He also personally showed his support to protesters' call to bring down oil prices.