Transport strike affects major Cebu City routes

Local

A TRANSPORT strike staged by drivers’ group on Thursday, March 19, disrupted several major routes in Cebu.

Although Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival maintained that public transport operations remained largely manageable and contingency measures were in place.

“Based on reports from the field, there is currently no disruption in public transportation within the city,” Archival said in a social media post.

“While there is an ongoing protest, we continue to closely monitor the situation to ensure the safety and convenience of our commuters,” he added.

Partial transport paralysis was reported across multiple routes as of late morning, based on updates from the Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (Piston) Cebu chapter.

Among the hardest hit was the Tamiya–MEPZ 1 route, which logged up to 90 percent disruption.

This was followed by several Ayala-bound routes, including those from Apas, Mabolo, and Lahug, as well as routes connecting to Mandaue and Consolacion, at around 85 percent.

The Talamban–Carbon and Pit-os–Colon routes recorded about 75 percent disruption, while Marigondon–Cordova saw a comparatively lower impact at 60 percent.

Protest actions were concentrated in identified chokepoints, including Barangay Mabolo along M.J. Cuenco Avenue, Gorordo Avenue near Escario Street, and P. del Rosario Street.

Members and allied groups held assemblies and a short program, carrying placards calling for fuel price regulation and fare adjustments.

In Lapu-Lapu City, protesters also gathered near a gasoline station close to General Milling Corp. Cebu as part of the coordinated nationwide action.

Greg Perez, president of Piston Cebu, renewed calls for government intervention.

He cited the continued rise in fuel prices without corresponding fare increases.

A transport group member, Ernesto Jerusalem, who has been driving for over three decades, also warned that he may be forced to stop working if fuel costs continue to climb while fares remain unchanged.

He also expressed concern over the withdrawal of a proposed fare hike despite rising petroleum prices.

Student groups and allied organizations, including those from the University of San Carlos and Cebu Normal University, joined the calling for the removal of taxes on fuel, including the Value Added Tax, and urging authorities to implement price rollbacks.

Meanwhile, the Cebu City Transportation Office, through its head Raquel Arce, monitored the situation on the ground and reminded protesters to avoid obstructing traffic.

She said authorities would exercise maximum tolerance, with traffic personnel ready to escort marchers to ensure smooth flow along affected roads.

While the strike reduced the number of operating public utility vehicles in key areas, city officials said they remain on standby to respond to any escalation, as transport groups continue to press for relief from rising fuel costs.(TGP)