ILOILO — Transport cooperatives and corporations in Western Visayas have withdrawn from the planned nationwide transport strike on March 26–27, signaling a shift in stance after government agencies moved to address their demands for fuel subsidies and possible fare adjustments.
Leaders of the transport sector said the decision not to join the protest organized by the Panay Consumers Alliance (PCA) and allied groups came after assurances from the government that fuel subsidies are being processed and negotiations on fare hikes are underway.
“Indi na kami mag-upod. Enough na ang isa ka adlaw kay masakit man sa amon kon indi kami kabiyahe kay wala sweldo amon drivers and conductors,” said Raymundo “Boyet” Parcon, referring to their one-day transport holiday staged on March 23.
Parcon added that initial actions by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to fast-track subsidy releases influenced their decision to step back from further protest.
Western Visayas Alliance of Transport Cooperatives and Corporations, Inc. (WVATCCI) secretary and spokesperson Winefredo Doblizo Jr. echoed the sentiment, saying their group had already received instructions from the government to process requirements for fuel subsidy and Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
“Indi kami mag-upod. Okay na kami and then may instruction naman sa government na nga ipang-process dulang namon ang mga requirements para sa fuel subsidy kag sa AICS sa DSWD and then hulat-hulaton lang kay gina-negotiate man sang national ang halambalanon as far as increase naton ah,” Doblizo said.
Doblizo said the alliance considers its demands already conveyed to national authorities and expressed cautious satisfaction with the government’s response following the earlier transport holiday.
He noted, however, that transport groups would closely monitor developments, giving the government until after Holy Week to deliver on its commitments.
Should the subsidy fail to materialize or if no concrete plan is presented, the alliance may reconvene and consider further action.
The group is also prepared to directly engage national agencies handling fuel pricing policies to seek a clearer “black and white” plan from the government.
Doblizo stressed that while the alliance remains committed to cooperating with authorities, the government must also extend meaningful support to the transport sector, which continues to bear the brunt of rising fuel costs.
He emphasized that beyond one-time financial aid, transport groups are pushing for long-term solutions, particularly a structured fare increase.
“Maski P1 lang to sa traditional units kag P2 sa mga modern jeepneys pero at least regular sia nga makapiyan-piyan kumparar sa P5,000 nga AICS nga pila lang man ka adlaw nga gamit sang traditional kag modernized units,” he added./PN
