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 said he had no food to support his five children and had not received any cash aid from the government.
As the two-day strike started on Thursday, a ship carrying more than 700,000 barrels of Russian crude oil arrived in the country. President Ferdinand Marcos' spokeswoman confirmed the shipment, which comes amid the government's efforts to secure alternative oil sources amid rising prices. The transport coalitions leading the strike have laid out demands, including scrapping fuel taxes, rolling back oil prices, and implementing state controls.
Protesters gathered in various areas across the capital, vocalizing their needs for fare increases and higher wages. Many drivers, including jeepney drivers and ride-hailing services, joined the demonstrations. Complaints arose that aid promised by the government had not been received, leaving many families on the brink of financial collapse.
Marcos announced a new law allowing temporary suspension or reduction of taxes on petroleum products when crude oil prices exceed $80 per barrel. The current energy crisis, highlighted by a national state of emergency, has drawn criticism for its potential to stifle workers' rights and strike actions. Amid the turmoil, the conditions for many transport workers have become increasingly desperate as they seek solutions for their financial hardships.
As the two-day strike started on Thursday, a ship carrying more than 700,000 barrels of Russian crude oil arrived in the country. President Ferdinand Marcos' spokeswoman confirmed the shipment, which comes amid the government's efforts to secure alternative oil sources amid rising prices. The transport coalitions leading the strike have laid out demands, including scrapping fuel taxes, rolling back oil prices, and implementing state controls.
Protesters gathered in various areas across the capital, vocalizing their needs for fare increases and higher wages. Many drivers, including jeepney drivers and ride-hailing services, joined the demonstrations. Complaints arose that aid promised by the government had not been received, leaving many families on the brink of financial collapse.
Marcos announced a new law allowing temporary suspension or reduction of taxes on petroleum products when crude oil prices exceed $80 per barrel. The current energy crisis, highlighted by a national state of emergency, has drawn criticism for its potential to stifle workers' rights and strike actions. Amid the turmoil, the conditions for many transport workers have become increasingly desperate as they seek solutions for their financial hardships.
