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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider Transport group holds protest in QC, demands removal of fuel taxes

Transport group holds protest in QC, demands removal of fuel taxes

Published Mar 9, 2026 12:54 pm  |  Updated Mar 9, 2026 01:02 pm
Members of Transport group PISTON stage a protest action in front of a gas station along East Avenue in Quezon City on Monday, March 9, 2026, to call on the government to remove the Value Added Tax (VAT) and excise tax on fuel products ahead of impending big time oil price hike due to the on going crisis in the Middle East. (Santi San Juan)
Members of Transport group PISTON stage a protest action in front of a gas station along East Avenue in Quezon City on Monday, March 9, 2026, to call on the government to remove the Value Added Tax (VAT) and excise tax on fuel products ahead of impending big time oil price hike due to the on going crisis in the Middle East. (Santi San Juan)
Members of the transport group Piston staged a protest in front of a gas station along East Avenue in Quezon City on Monday, March 9.
The group is calling on the government to remove the Value-Added Tax (VAT) and excise tax on fuel products as the country braces for another major oil price hike.
Holding placards and banners, the protesters warned that transport workers may stage a strike if the government fails to address the impact of rising fuel prices.
“Ang panawagan natin sa mamamayan sa unang linggo ng matinding oil price shock: WELGA (Our call to the people in the first week of severe oil price shock: WELGA),” the group said in a statement.
PISTON urged drivers and operators across different transport sectors to join the protest action.
“Panawagan natin sa lahat ng mga tsuper at operator, MAGWELGA (We call on all drivers and operators to STRIKE),”the group said.
It also called on taxi drivers, TNVS operators, tricycle drivers, and bus drivers to participate in a strike, along with other sectors of society.
The group reiterated its long-standing demands, including the removal of VAT and excise taxes on fuel, the repeal of the Oil Deregulation Law, and the nationalization of the oil industry.
“Ibasura ang VAT at excise tax! Ibasura ang oil deregulation law! Isabansa ang industriya ng langis (Abolish VAT and excise tax! Abolish oil deregulation law! Nationalize the oil industry),”the group said.
The protest drew the attention of motorists and commuters passing through East Avenue, one of the major thoroughfares in Quezon City, as the group warned that continued inaction could lead to broader protests across the country.

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