FULL SUPPORT FOR THE TRANSPORT STRIKE! NO TO OIL PRICE HIKE! End Trump’s War in Iran!
Malaya Movement USA expresses its solidarity with the March 19-21 transport strike of 10,000 drivers in the Philippines. For two days, jeepney drivers, led by PISTON (Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide), protested the soaring price of oil due to the US-led war with Iran and its destabilizing effects throughout the Middle East. We stand with the newly formed No to Oil Price Hike coalition that will be launching another 2 day strike from March 26-27.
The price of diesel rose above P100 per liter, and drivers bear the brunt of this increase. On average, jeepneys consume 30 liters a day, so drivers are forced to spend P3,000 a day, even though they only earn P300-400 per day. As the strike ended, the Marcos government offered measly band-aids to the crisis: (1) an inadequate P5,000 in cash assistance that barely covers two days of work, and (2) Free rides during the crisis. These band-aids are not solutions; they do not take into account that there is not yet a foreseeable end to the war in the Middle East, and thus, fuel prices will continue to rise. This particular transport strike may have ended, but PISTON president Mody Floranda said that, “In the next days, we will have larger protests against the continuous spike of fuel prices.” PISTON plans to meet with other transport federations.
As Malaya Movement USA, we uphold the right for workers to strike, and we echo the demands to junk the oil deregulation law that has undercut the Philippines ability to sustain itself in the midst of crisis and to remove the Excise Tax and Value-Added Tax that contributes to overall higher costs for basic necessities.
Marcos’ declaration of a state of emergency is vague and provides little concrete and sustainable solutions to the problems faced by the people. Moreover, we also condemn the US’s war with Iran. Not only is it the root cause of rising fuel costs in the Philippines and here in the United States, but more so in the realm of human rights, the bombings are killing civilians, and millions of people (including OFWs) are being displaced.
We demand an end to Trump’s deadly war and for Marcos Jr. to junk the Oil Deregulation Law, Excise tax and VAT! Decrease the price of goods and increase the family living wage!
Take action against Trump’s deadly war in Iran: tinyurl.com/filipinosagainstwar
Sign the petition to ban recalled LA Labor Attaché Macy Maglanque, linked to the flood corruption and latest money laundering scandals, from any government position along with other corrupt PH gov officials overseas. tinyurl.com/overseas-petition-ph-govt
Participate in a social media action by posting statements, short videos with chants and/or noisemakers, and selfies to show that you support the cause to hold corrupt PH government officials accountable.
Participate in the dance challenge “Hawak Mo Ang Jeep”—both online and in-person in your neighborhood, grocery stores, schools, work, etc.
Donate to BAYAN USA’s transport strike fund: 🔗 Venmo: @bayanusa | ✍🏼 Memo: Welga
