Transport group launches strike, demands fuel tax exemption over fare hike

MANILA — Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (Piston) launched its nationwide strike on Tuesday, escalating pressure on the government to address transportation sector concerns through fuel tax reduction rather than fare adjustments.

Piston President Mody Floranda said the organization believes eliminating excise duties on petroleum products would deliver more substantial economic benefits to jeepney operators and drivers than the P1 increase in minimum passenger fare implemented recently.

The two-day strike represents a significant show of force by the transport sector, which has long struggled with rising operational costs. Piston argues that fuel represents one of the largest expenses for public transport operators, and that tax relief on petroleum products would directly reduce their cost burden.

The transport group's position highlights the ongoing tension between fare regulation policies and fuel cost management in the Philippines' public transportation system. The strike underscores driver demands for structural economic relief rather than incremental fare increases passed on to commuters.

Piston's nationwide action is expected to impact jeepney services and other public transportation across major cities and provincial routes through Wednesday.