Manibela to go on strike Sept. 14-15 over fuel price increases

MANILA, Philippines — Transport group Manibela will hold a two-day nationwide strike on Sept. 14 and Sept. 15 to protest the expected increase in fuel prices next week.

Manibela chair Mar Valbuena announced the planned strike in a social media post, noting the price trend of fuel already reaching as high as P100 per liter.

“Next week, the prices of petroleum products will increase again, and you’re once again using the war in the Middle East as the reason,” Valbuena said.

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Diesel prices may increase by P2 to P2.50 per liter, while gasoline prices may jump by P4.50 to P5 per liter. This would be the second consecutive week of fuel price increases.

READ: Another fuel price hike seen next week

Tax, subsidy

Fuel price watchers have noted escalating hostilities in the Middle East conflict and their impact on the flow of oil supplies from the region.

READ: Airfares to rise anew as fuel surcharge hits Level 14

Valbuena called anew for the suspension of the excise and the value-added tax on petroleum products to ease the impact of the price hikes.

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“We cannot get the excise tax and value-added tax on petroleum products removed,” he said.

He also expressed concern over the government’s P12-per-liter fuel subsidy, saying drivers were still being charged by gas stations.

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“The P12-per-liter assistance or fuel subsidy at gas stations … we’re the ones being charged by the gas stations because, they say, LandBank is not paying the subsidy being provided to drivers,” Valbuena said. /cb