Week 2 of transport strike starts

National

THE national transport strike entered its second week as drivers and commuters intensified calls for government action amid rising fuel prices.

In a report by Philstar, transport group Manibela said over 20 strike centers are staging protests across Metro Manila and key areas in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, involving jeepney, bus, TNVS, and motorcycle taxi drivers.

Transport groups said government measures remain inadequate despite the declaration of a state of national energy emergency.

Piston criticized the lack of oil price controls and the continued implementation of the Oil Deregulation Law.

Both Manibela and Piston are pushing for oil price control, wage increases, removal of fuel taxes, and direct subsidies for drivers.

To ease the impact, the Department of Transportation rolled out free rides under a P1-billion service contracting program, while the Department of Social Welfare and Development continues distributing financial aid to affected drivers.

Commuters faced difficulties during peak hours, with reports of stranded passengers in parts of Metro Manila due to fewer operating vehicles. Authorities have deployed additional units.

Some schools also adjusted class arrangements, shifting to online learning or allowing flexible attendance due to the disruption. (Rodgelyn Morales, CTU-TC BAEL-ELSD Intern)