UNDOC to conduct transport strike on March 21 and 22

Public transport operators and drivers under the United Negros Drivers and Operators Center (UNDOC) announced that they will conduct a two-day strike, not five days as earlier planned.

UNDOC Secretary-General Diego Malacad said the strike they tag as “People’s Holiday” will be on March 21 to 22.

The two-day strike, he said will be against the incessant increase in oil prices, to demand for the deferment of the 12 percent value added tax (VAT) on fuel, and to call for the suspension of the excise tax on fuels.
Malacad said the planned strike was agreed upon during their unity forum.

He added that they are also hoping the subsidy promised to them by the national government will be released.

Earlier, Bacolod City Councilor Dindo Ramos revealed that two other transport groups, the Sentrong Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operators Negros (SSTONE) and the Federation of Bacolod City Drivers Association (FEBACDA) will not join the strike.

Gas prices have already soared by as much as P3.80 per liter of gasoline and P5.50 per liter of diesel last Tuesday, and another oil price hike is due Tuesday at P12 per liter for diesel and P7/liter for gasoline.

The incessant increase in fuel prices stems from the adverse economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic and thebRussian invasion of Ukraine.* (DGB)