Transportation workers are facing financial strain because of rising fuel prices. One 62-year-old man who drives told me he has no food for his five children and cannot get any help from the government.
Protests took place in various locations throughout Metro Manila when the strikes commenced two days ago with many jeepney drivers (who operate low-cost mini-buses) as well as motorcycle and ride-sharing service drivers.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development has not yet provided the promised 5,000 pesos ($83; £62) cash assistance. For instance, Guillermo Japole, who is aged 62 years old, waited over five hours at the DSWD to retrieve the assistance that had never arrived. When I asked him how he was doing financially, he replied: "I have no income, I have no assistance from the government, andAnjo Lilac, who is a 28 year old driver, said that he has not received any support and brought his daughter Hannah to the demonstration because financial assistance would cover everyday expenses (food, rent, and milk for his infant daughter). Some drivers have considered returning home in search of other employment.
In describing the state of affairs, 58 year old Ronnie Rillosa has been a jeepney driver for 30 years and stated that drivers do not require temporary assistance and instead want lower prices for fuel, food, electricity, and water.
Actions by the Government with Concern for Supply
While the strike was being initiated, a ship containing over seven hundred thousand barrels of Russian crude oil from the President Ferdinand Marcos' spokesperson claimed that the Sierra LeoneUnited States' flagged vessel (Sara Sky) arrived with a shipment earlier this week.
The Philippines is dependent on oil entering (passing through) through the Strait of Hormuz for the importation of an estimated 98% of crude oil supply. As a result, President Marcos has committed to explore alternative energy sources to meet the country's requirements.
In order to attempt to manage the crisis, the government implemented several measures, including providing transportation workers with subsidies, reducing the frequency of ferry services, and allowing civil servants to work a four-day workweek to conserve fuel. In addition, a bill was passed enabling the government to temporarily suspend excise taxes on petroleum products and/or reduce excise tax rates for one month when the price of Dubai Crude Oil is at or exceeds 80$/barrel.
The declaration of a national energy emergency on Tuesday enabled authorities to have the power to maintain a stable supply of essential goods (fuel, food, and medicine) to help protect the economy. In addition, there is a special committee that was established to monitor the distribution of these essential goods and/or the government can also directly purchase petroleum products from producers and/or distributors to ensure supply.
Mixed Support/Reactions and Increasing Concern
The strike does significantly impact the daily lives of individuals in the Manila metropolitan area, as it is one of the most congested cities in Asia with many commuters taking four or more hours to reach their destinations. Many are waiting in long lines at government designated locations to receive free rides from the government to their destinations. Arnold Irinco, 52, who is a liaison officer, has been waiting in line for 30 minutes but felt sympathy for the drivers, stating that they are fighting for their livelihood.
Not everyone is supportive of the government's efforts. Labour coalition Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) has publicly criticised the emergency declaration and believes that it is an admission of failure on the part of the government to handle the oil crisis. In addition, KMU has raised concern regarding provisions in the declaration which may limit the right to protest and/or provide activities perceived to be disruptive.
In contrast, businessman Manuel V. Pangilinan, chairman of many major utility companies, has publicly supported the government granting emergency powers. Pangilinan stated that rising energy costs have negatively impacted the operations of many businesses and further stated that the government should utilize all available resources to attempt to manage the crisis.
As the continuing tensions develop, they serve as a sign of the increasing pressure on both workers and the government to work together to develop a permanent solution to the current fuel and overall economy crisis.
