As the high cost of fuel products continue to whip drivers, operators and commuters, a major transport group is wondering where in the world are the politicians who were active in the past elections and during holidays with their “Ingat sa Byahe” tarpaulins.

For transport group Manibela, the current oil supply and price challenge is not a time for silence among politicians but a time to speak out, do something and work together to fight for the welfare of those in the public transport sector and millions of commuters.

In a post on its Facebook account, Manibela questioned the noticeable silence of politicians whose photos and names were present in every major thoroughfare with their “Ingat sa Byahe” (have a safe travel) message during election and long weekends. 

And with their silence and absence, Manibela will do the talking for them through a three-day transport strike that will start on Wednesday, April 15.

Manibela chairperson Mar Valbuena said the transport strike is their way of condemning the slow response of the national government, especially in looking after the welfare of those in the public transport sector who have been suffering from the series of oil price hikes since the Middle East tensions started on Feb. 28.

Valbuena also accused the government’s helplessness on oil price hikes and likewise accused government officials of colluding with oil companies in jacking up the prices of even the stock diesel and gasoline.

“Where is the government in the middle of this crisis? The government allowed oil companies to earn billions of pesos at the expense of ordinary motorists,” he said.

Valbuena said they will be joined by other major transport groups and as of Tuesday morning, Piston declared that it will join the three-day nationwide strike.

PNP on alert

The Philippine National Police (PNP) for its part, has directed the strategic deployment of police personnel nationwide to ensure peace and order during the scheduled transport strike.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr. said he already tasked local police units to maintain strong visibility in key convergence areas where transport groups are expected to assemble.

“While we respect the right of transport groups to air their grievances through peaceful assembly, we are equally committed to ensuring the safety and convenience of the commuting public,” Nartatez said.

He said the PNP will closely coordinate with transport groups to ensure the orderly conduct of the planned activities. He stressed that maximum tolerance will be observed by police personnel throughout the duration of the strike.

“The PNP will continue its coordination with transport groups to prevent disruptions. While we respect the groups’ right to assembly, we remind them that these protest actions come with a responsibility,” Nartatez said.

Free rides

Nartatez said police commanders were also directed to prepare mobility assets that will provide “Libreng Sakay” for affected commuters.

“Our personnel will be deployed not only to maintain peace and order but also to provide immediate assistance, including ‘Libreng Sakay,’ to those who will be affected by the transport strike,” said Nartatez.

“The deployment of our personnel will not only secure the rallies, but it will also assess where police mobiles will be stationed to cater to the needs of commuters,” he added