Transport workers across the country are gearing up for a nationwide “tigil-pasada” on September 18, in a bold show of force against what they call systemic corruption and unjust fuel taxation under the Marcos administration.
The strike, led by transport coalition PISTON, aims to paralyze routes nationwide to demand accountability for alleged ghost flood control projects and the continued imposition of Value Added Tax (VAT) and Excise Tax on fuel, charges that drivers say are bleeding them dry.
“Mantakin nyo, halos P13,000 kada buwan ang binabayad ng mga tsuper na buwis sa langis, P4,000 naman ang sa mga riders. Pero pinaka-malas ang mga naka-modern kasi P23,400 kada buwan ang nananakaw sa kanila gamit ang VAT at Excise Tax. Lubog ka na nga sa utang dahil sa modernization, ninanakaw pa ang binabayad mong tax!” PISTON said in a viral post.
The group claims that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. refuses to scrap fuel taxes because the revenue allegedly bankrolls ghost infrastructure projects, particularly under the flood control budget. They argue that hearings and investigations are no longer enough.
“Dapat may managot! Dapat may makulong.”
The Sept. 18 strike is expected to disrupt major transport hubs, with progressive groups, youth coalitions, and civil society networks expressing solidarity.
Organizers say the action is not just about fare hikes or fuel prices, it’s a national outcry against corruption, debt-driven modernization, and stolen public funds.
The protest comes amid mounting scrutiny of budget insertions and alleged kickbacks in flood control projects, with watchdogs and opposition lawmakers calling for deeper investigations and criminal prosecutions. (RRN)
