By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — Transport workers and militant organizations mounted separate protest actions in Metro Manila on Wednesday to denounce the continuing increases in fuel prices and electricity rates, saying the soaring costs are placing an unbearable burden on commuters, motorists, farmers and ordinary Filipino families.
Along Marcos Highway, members of the MANIBELA (Manibela Transport Group) temporarily suspended their operations. They held a protest to dramatize the impact of the relentless fuel price hikes on public utility drivers.
The transport group’s members, who ply the Marikina–Pasig route, said recurring oil price increases continue to slash their daily earnings while forcing them to spend more on fuel and vehicle maintenance.
Despite the transport action, authorities reported that no commuters were stranded during the protest.
Personnel of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) were deployed to maintain peace and order and ensure the smooth flow of traffic in the area.
Meanwhile, another protest was held outside Litex Market in Quezon City, where militant organizations called on the government to address the escalating prices of petroleum products and the continued increase in electricity rates.
The demonstration was spearheaded by the Amihan National Federation of Peasant Women, together with Pantay Bigas, Anakpawis, and other allied groups.
The protesters said the repeated oil price hikes have driven up the prices of basic commodities, making it increasingly difficult for Filipino families to cope with the rising cost of living.
They added that farmers have also been severely affected as the higher cost of diesel has increased the expenses of operating farm equipment and transporting agricultural products.
The groups urged the government to repeal the Oil Deregulation Law, which they said has allowed the continuous increase in fuel prices, and called for the removal of taxes on petroleum products to provide immediate relief to consumers.
The simultaneous demonstrations in Quezon City and along Marcos Highway reflected growing public dissatisfaction over the rising cost of fuel and electricity, with transport workers, farmers and other sectors urging the government to adopt stronger measures to ease the economic burden on the public.
ia/xf
