Transport strike: LTFRB open for dialogue with Piston

MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is willing to hold a dialogue with transport group Piston about its plan to hold a nationwide transport strike amid the oil price hike caused by the Middle East conflict.

This is what LTFRB Chairperson Vigor Mendoza III said on Tuesday when asked if the agency is open for talks with the Piston on its transport strike that will start on Thursday, March 19. 

READ: Piston to hold transport strike beginning on Thursday (March 19)

“We are always in touch with the leadership of Piston. We talk to them, so we can understand them. Our hearts are with them,” Mendoza said in a press conference. 

Pison President Mody Floranda on Monday announced that the transport strike would be launched across the country “against the inaction of President Bongbong Marcos’ administration and against US aggression, which is causing hardship to the Filipino people.”

Floranda slammed the LTFRB’s approval of the provisional fare hike of P1 for traditional jeepneys and P2 for modern jeepneys, saying it will not be enough as they are asking for an increase of P5.

He also urged Congress to abolish the value-added tax and suspend the excise tax on fuel products. 

READ: Transport groups: P1 fare hike not enough, strike to proceed

Mendoza said he hopes Piston will understand how the LTFRB came up with the fare hike approval.

“They have to remember, what if they lose passengers? If they lose passengers, it will be more difficult for them,” he said in Filipino.

Piston also announced that they will file a petition before the LTFRB this month for a P5 increase in jeepney fare. Mendoza said the agency will review it as soon as they receive it.  /mcm