ILOILO — A province-wide transport strike is set across this province on April 21 as transport groups and activists escalate protests against surging fuel prices, warning of worsening economic strain on drivers and commuters alike.
The No to Oil Price Hike Coalition announced that the coordinated “transport holiday” and people’s protest will run from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., forming part of a nationwide action condemning what they describe as unchecked increases in petroleum prices.
The group said the rising cost of fuel has become “untenable,” crippling the livelihood of transport operators and pushing fare affordability beyond the reach of ordinary commuters.
At the center of the protest are sweeping demands, including the repeal of the Oil Deregulation Law, a rollback of fuel prices to P55, suspension of excise tax and value-added tax on petroleum products, and the implementation of fair fares and adequate wages for transport workers.
The coalition is also calling for the nationalization of the oil industry, including government acquisition of Petron, to ensure transparency and price stability, and even urged an end to global conflicts they say contribute to volatile oil supply.
Elmer Forro, coalition spokesperson, underscored the urgency of collective action, noting that more than half of transport groups nationwide have already curtailed operations due to fuel costs.
“Tanan nga transport groups sa Iloilo kag sa iban pa gid nga probinsiya sa bilog nga Pilipinas, more than 50% nag untat byahe bangud indi na gid masarangan presyo sang langis. May sabat man ang gobyerno naton pero masubo. Ang excise tax gin suspend pero ang sa kerosene lang kag LPG. Ang krudo ya kag gasolina nga amo ang pinaka-importante sa aton waay gin tandog,” Forro stressed.
He further urged both public and private vehicle operators to join the protest.
The coalition has mobilized support from transport groups across Western Visayas, including Aklan, Antique, Capiz, and Guimaras, in a bid to amplify their call for reforms.
In Iloilo City, key convergence points such as the Infante Flyover will serve as strike centers, while parallel protest actions are planned in major towns like Guimbal.
Organizers are urging the public to refrain from using vehicles during the strike, saying a mass halt in transport activity would send a strong signal to both government and oil companies.
“Untat Tughong sa Abril 21,” the coalition declared, as it pushed for immediate government intervention to address the spiraling cost of fuel and its ripple effects on the economy./PN
