IF THERE is one thing that the drivers and operators in Negros Occidental -- spearheaded by the United Negros Drivers and Operators Center (UNDOC) -- had achieved in their protest action yesterday, it is that their action could just be a mere perfunctory move to shake the altogether deaf and dumb national government, what with the latter seemingly remaining “hard as rock” in responding to the concerns of the lowly drivers, as well as some low-income operators.
These same plights and complaints of the protestors had been ventilated some decades back, but the government is still inutile in ensuring that the prevalent oil cartel is diminished, if not altogether crippled.
The public is very much aware of the fact that this dilemma on the unabated oil price increases in the country is, as it has always been, dictated by the pricing of petroleum and other products in the international market.
It is a great wonder, however, that the government could not even assure these drivers and operators that there will still be food on their table when they return to their respective homes, or that there could still be other viable sources of income or livelihood available aside from taking to the streets for income.
And what about the oil price disparity in Bacolod City and Negros Occidental.
What has been done by our legislators in Congress about this?
Then mayor and now Rep. Evelio Leonardia must do something about this, if only to respond to this issue.
Also, what about the anomaly that had been unearthed recently by the local government of Bacolod, led by a team of then vice mayor Jude Thaddeus Sayson, on the uncalibrated fuel providers in the City of Smiles?
After the warning, what comes next?
There must be a firm resolve to the problem on the unabated oil price increases. If not to solve it, at least to bring it to the attention, again and again, of the national government.
While this may seem to be a political statement, any solution to this problem must be a product of the joint efforts of the public, the public transport, our government officials, and if need be, the police power of the State.