Transport group renews call vs oil deregulation law

Friday, April 1, 2011

A MILITANT transport group in Baguio City reiterated its long-time call to junk the Oil Deregulation Law.

Following the protest rally done by taxi operators and drivers in Baguio City, the Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operators Nationwide (Piston) also staged their protest rally against uncontrolled oil price hikes and the 12-percent Value Added Tax on oil products, which they claim further burdens not just commuters but also the drivers.

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In a statement, the Piston said it is time for the current administration to make major decisions so it could regulate oil prices, which after the passage of the Oil Deregulation Law began to steadily increase.

Several sectors called for the abolition of the law but were not pursued. Instead, the Department of Energy ventured into the exploration of natural sources of energy.

While that is pending, Piston said the high cost of fuel results in a domino effect where the price of other basic necessities also increases.

In response to the ongoing clamor, President Benigno Aquino III approved the P500-million budget as fuel subsidy for the public jeepneys and tricycles.

The subsidy, however, is only temporary as it will last for only a month.

Buses are not included in the program since a P1 fare hike was already approved for them.

The move is a form of government assistance to the public transport sector to cushion the impact of rising fuel costs.

It added the government is still finalizing the fuel subsidy program.
The transport sector nationwide is now holding a caravan to protest the rising fuel prices. (With Sunnex)