By CESAR JOLITO III

More than 1,000 members of transport and progressive groups are set to stage a protest and transport strike at the Magsaysay Flyover in Bacolod City today as they press the government to address rising fuel prices.

The planned action will be led by the Kabacod Negros Transport Coalition (KNETCO), Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan), and Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide (Piston).

According to KNETCO President Lilian Sembrano, the protest and transport strike will run from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., potentially affecting public transportation across the city.

Sembrano said the action aims to urge the government to remove excise taxes and suspend value-added tax on fuel amid the continued increase in petroleum prices.

The group is also calling for a rollback in fuel prices and the suspension of the Oil Deregulation Law.

In addition, the transport coalition is appealing for an end to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, which they say contribute to global oil price instability.

Alongside their demands, the group reiterated its call for higher public transport fares, coupled with wage increases for workers to help offset the rising cost of living.

The coalition is also planning to submit a petition letter to Bacolod City Lone District Representative Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, seeking support in bringing their concerns to Congress.

On Monday, March 23, several transport groups in Bacolod City staged a transport strike and protest rally, citing the continued surge in fuel prices and lack of sufficient government support.

The Bacolod Alliance of Commuters and Drivers raised concerns over the delayed distribution of fuel subsidies and other forms of assistance from the local government and national agencies./CJ, WDJ