Hundreds of transport workers in the Philippines' capital Manila have gone on strike over rising fuel costs. Diesel and petrol prices have more than doubled since the Iran war broke out on 28 February - with the Philippines now in a state of national energy emergency. One 62-year-old driver in Manila expressed desperation, saying he had no food to support his five children and had not received any cash aid from the government.
As the two-day strike began, a ship carrying over 700,000 barrels of Russian crude oil arrived in the country. President Ferdinand Marcos' spokeswoman confirmed the shipment. Marcos has promised to seek new sources of oil, as the country previously relied on supplies that pass through the Strait of Hormuz for 98% of its requirements.
Transport coalitions leading the strike have laid out extensive demands, including the removal of fuel taxes, rollback of oil prices, and more state control. Additionally, they are advocating for fare increases and higher wages. Protests erupted in various locations across the capital, with drivers of jeepneys, mini-buses known for their cheap fares, leading the charge.
Some drivers reported having not received a promised cash aid payout, with many struggling to provide for their families. The economic strain is palpable, with comments highlighting that they feel as though they are being 'choked' by rising costs. As the strike progresses, the impact on Manila's notoriously congested transport system is already being felt, with commuters left scrambling for alternatives.
The Philippines government has been forced into a state of energy emergency, granting authorities the power to impose measures to ensure energy stability while aiming to protect the economy. This unprecedented declaration has raised concerns among labor groups, who criticize the government's handling of the crisis and call for immediate attention to the plight of workers affected by soaring fuel prices. Meanwhile, some business leaders offer support for emergency measures, emphasizing the need for decisive action to navigate through this challenging period.
As the two-day strike began, a ship carrying over 700,000 barrels of Russian crude oil arrived in the country. President Ferdinand Marcos' spokeswoman confirmed the shipment. Marcos has promised to seek new sources of oil, as the country previously relied on supplies that pass through the Strait of Hormuz for 98% of its requirements.
Transport coalitions leading the strike have laid out extensive demands, including the removal of fuel taxes, rollback of oil prices, and more state control. Additionally, they are advocating for fare increases and higher wages. Protests erupted in various locations across the capital, with drivers of jeepneys, mini-buses known for their cheap fares, leading the charge.
Some drivers reported having not received a promised cash aid payout, with many struggling to provide for their families. The economic strain is palpable, with comments highlighting that they feel as though they are being 'choked' by rising costs. As the strike progresses, the impact on Manila's notoriously congested transport system is already being felt, with commuters left scrambling for alternatives.
The Philippines government has been forced into a state of energy emergency, granting authorities the power to impose measures to ensure energy stability while aiming to protect the economy. This unprecedented declaration has raised concerns among labor groups, who criticize the government's handling of the crisis and call for immediate attention to the plight of workers affected by soaring fuel prices. Meanwhile, some business leaders offer support for emergency measures, emphasizing the need for decisive action to navigate through this challenging period.
