PHILLIPINES Transport strike – A SUCCESS!

MANILA, Philippines -- The transport strike was a success nationwide.

Most major transport groups nationwide joined the called of the militant Pinagkaisang Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (Piston, United Association of Drivers and Operators Nationwide).

The AJLPP-USA supported the nationwide transport strike that also called for the ouster of the US-Arroyo regime.

On the other hand ACTO,FEJOADAP and other jeepney groups beholden to politicians made motions to join but kept away and did not join the strike in Metro Manila.

The story was different in the rest of the country, with striking transport groups claiming to have paralyzed from 80 percent to 98 percent of transportation in provinces like Laguna, Batangas, the Bicol region, Negros Occidental, Capiz and Aklan, leaving hundreds of stranded commuters.

In Baguio City, most drivers either stayed home or continued plying their routes. In Rizal, only about 60 percent.

PISTON Claims VIctory

Piston secretary general George San Mateo was unruffled, claiming that Piston scored an average "90 to 95 percent transport paralysis nationwide," including 70 to 90 percent in Metro Manila.

Modesto Florande, Piston's NCR chief, said the strike was successful because it "sent a strong message to our leaders and the oil companies that the grassroots members will not sit in the sidelines anymore."

Florande also denied that Piston was cutting short its strike because it was abandoned by other transport groups.

"The strike in Metro Manila was really just for today. In provinces such as Iloilo, the strikes will take place today and tomorrow. There are also areas that will only start tomorrow. We have the support of transport group members and civic groups," Florande said.

The militant drivers want government to repeal the Oil Deregulation Law, restrict oil price hikes and scrap the 12 percent expanded value-added tax on oil products.

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