Hundreds of transport workers in Manila, Philippines, have launched a strike, protesting against soaring fuel prices that have drastically impacted their livelihoods. The escalating costs of diesel and petrol have more than doubled since the outbreak of the Iran war on February 28, plunging the country into a national energy emergency.
A 62-year-old driver shared with reporters his struggles, stating that he is unable to provide for his five children and has not received any financial assistance from the government. On the same day the strike began, a shipment of Russian crude oil docked at the capital, highlighting the complexities of the situation as President Ferdinand Marcos’ administration continues to seek alternative oil sources.
Protesters' demands encompass a suspension of fuel taxes, a rollback on oil prices, and greater government control on petroleum distribution. They also seek increased fares and wages, citing severe financial strain and lack of adequate support from the administration.
As various transport sectors, including jeepney and ride-hailing drivers, joined together to stand against rising living costs, stories of despair arose among them. Several protesters claimed they had not received promised government aid, often waiting in long lines only to find their names missing from the eligibility list.
A jeepney driver, Ronnie Rillosa, encapsulated the sentiment of the moment, stating, 'We feel like we are being choked by rising costs and have no resources to feed our families.' Although the government has instituted measures such as subsidizing transport drivers and enacting reduced work weeks, the effects of these policies still leave many unsatisfied.
The energy crisis response has drawn criticism from labor groups, which argue that the emergency declaration from the Marcos administration is an admission of failure to effectively manage the crisis. Still, industrial leaders expressed support for the emergency powers, noting its potential impact on stability within the economy and energy costs.
As protests continue, Manila’s commuters are beginning to feel the effects of the two-day strike, facing longer wait times and reduced transport services as the city grapples with both a labor movement and an energy crisis that is affecting daily life.
A 62-year-old driver shared with reporters his struggles, stating that he is unable to provide for his five children and has not received any financial assistance from the government. On the same day the strike began, a shipment of Russian crude oil docked at the capital, highlighting the complexities of the situation as President Ferdinand Marcos’ administration continues to seek alternative oil sources.
Protesters' demands encompass a suspension of fuel taxes, a rollback on oil prices, and greater government control on petroleum distribution. They also seek increased fares and wages, citing severe financial strain and lack of adequate support from the administration.
As various transport sectors, including jeepney and ride-hailing drivers, joined together to stand against rising living costs, stories of despair arose among them. Several protesters claimed they had not received promised government aid, often waiting in long lines only to find their names missing from the eligibility list.
A jeepney driver, Ronnie Rillosa, encapsulated the sentiment of the moment, stating, 'We feel like we are being choked by rising costs and have no resources to feed our families.' Although the government has instituted measures such as subsidizing transport drivers and enacting reduced work weeks, the effects of these policies still leave many unsatisfied.
The energy crisis response has drawn criticism from labor groups, which argue that the emergency declaration from the Marcos administration is an admission of failure to effectively manage the crisis. Still, industrial leaders expressed support for the emergency powers, noting its potential impact on stability within the economy and energy costs.
As protests continue, Manila’s commuters are beginning to feel the effects of the two-day strike, facing longer wait times and reduced transport services as the city grapples with both a labor movement and an energy crisis that is affecting daily life.
