Negros drivers hold noise barrage to open series of protest actions
BACOLOD CITY -- Drivers and operators of passenger utility vehicles in Bacolod City and Negros Occidental held a noise barrage Monday to kick off a series of protest actions against the series of oil price hikes and to sympathize with their protesting counterparts in Metro Manila and other cities.
Jessie Ortega, secretary general of United Negros Drivers and Operators Center (UNDOC), told the Philippines News Agency the noise barrage opens a series of protests to be conducted by drivers and operators nationwide under the Pinagkaisang Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide(PISTON).
"There will be a follow-up to this noise barrage. That will be the nationwide protest rally or Welga ng Bayan in December. This will dramatize our condemnation of the series of price increases of petroleum products imposed by oil companies," Ortega said.
Ortega claimed that "despite the decrease in prices of petroleum products in the world market, oil companies in the country continue to impose price increases for reasons that they are allegedly trying to recover their losses, so this week they are planning to increase anew if not for the typhoons," Ortega said.
The UNDOC official also said the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has not acted yet on their petition for a P1 increase in fares.
"A hearing was conducted last November 22 but no development so far has been announced by the agency," Ortega said. (PNA)