A PROGRESSIVE transport group is mulling to launch a massive demonstration against the excise tax on petroleum products under the new tax reform law which is set to take effect this year.
The Solidarity of Transport Alliance in Northern Mindanao-Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (Starex-Piston) will likely take to the streets their objection on the oil price increases that is "affecting not just the riding public but the entire Filipino people."
Ringo Lago, Starex-Piston secretary-general, said they have noticed that gasoline stations have started imposing price hike on their petroleum products.
"Naa gyud mahitabo nga lihok protesta within this month or next month labi na kung mabati na ang epekto sa tax reform," Lago said.
Lago said he is aware that other transport groups are planning to petition for a fare increase.
"Katungod man kana sa ubang mga driver nga mangayo ug dugang plitehan,"he added.
However, Lago said it is the responsibility of the government to solve the concerns of the transport sector.
He said the skyrocketing of oil products along with the increases of basic commodities will worsen the economic problem of the people especially those who are less privilege.
"Insakto na ang paglipat-lipat sa gobyerno sa katawhan kay grabe na ang kalisod sa kahimtang sa panginabuhian," Lago said.
Lago said the government should expect that it will not only be the transport sector who would react on this tax reform law but all other sectors of the society.
Lago explained that Starex-Piston will not ask for fare increase but will call on the government to solve socio-economic issues and problems.
"Laoman sa gobyerno nga dili lang ang transport sector ang maglunsad sa lihok-protesta kay kini mag-domino effect mani nga problema,"Lago said.
"Dili kita mangayo sa dugang plitehan kay kita dunay diwang makabayan nga dili lang sektor sa transportasyon atong gilantaw apan katilingban mismo nga apektado," Lago added.