ILOILO City – Mounting public anger over relentless fuel price hikes has escalated into a “People’s Strike” here as transport and consumer groups mobilize for mass action on March 19 and 20, warning of deepening economic strain on ordinary Filipinos.
The mobilization in key transport and government hubs in Iloilo City came after weeks of continuous oil price increases that have driven up the cost of transport, food, and basic utilities, intensifying pressure on already struggling households.
The call to strike was ignited on March 17 following a protest outside a gas station in Jaro district, where demonstrators denounced the sharp rise in fuel prices amid stagnant wages and a rising cost of living.
Fuel prices have risen for several consecutive weeks, with gasoline increasing for nine straight weeks and diesel for 11, pushing up pump prices.
Elmer Forro, secretary-general of cause-oriented group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) – Panay, underscored the widespread impact of the crisis.
“The crisis affects us all. Our drivers struggle to cope with the soaring fuel prices. As fuel becomes more expensive, the prices of basic commodities such as rice, fish, meat, vegetables, and utilities like electricity and water are sure to follow. The government’s assistance of P5,000 is simply not enough and does not reach everyone. We demand that aid is distributed fairly and without biases,” Forro said.
Transport and consumer groups are pushing for sweeping reforms, including a rollback of fuel prices to P55 per liter, removal of the value-added tax and excise tax, universal subsidies for affected sectors, and the repeal of the Oil Deregulation Law.
They are also calling for greater state control in the oil industry, including the nationalization of oil resources and reacquisition of Petron, while linking global price instability to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
The Panay Consumers Alliance (PCA) warned that the current pricing regime has left Filipino consumers vulnerable, noting that taxes alone account for nearly 20 percent of diesel prices and up to 30 percent for gasoline.
Student groups have also joined the call, with Matthew Gonzaga of the National Union of Students of the Philippines-Panay urging local governments and schools to suspend classes and work during the strike.
“If they can suspend operations for a summit, they must also do so for the survival of the people,” Gonzaga said./PN