AJLPP Supports the May 12, 2008 National Transport Strike in the Philippines

ALLIANCE FOR A JUST AND LASTING PEACE IN THE PHILIPPINES (AJLPP)

STATEMENT

May 12, 2008


AJLPP Supports the May 12, 2008 National Transport Strike in the Philippines


San Francisco, California – The Alliance-Philippines (AJLPP) declared today its support for the national transport strike in the Philippines planned for May 12, 2008.

AJLPP national coordinator Mario Santos said, “The AJLPP unequivocally and wholeheartedly supports the transport group, Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON), which is affiliated with the Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU – May First Movement) Labor Center.” PISTON will lead Monday’s transport strike which will start at 12:01 a.m. Monday.



PISTON said that its members will cease plying 12 Metro Manila transport routes, including Alabang, Monumento, Novaliches, Cubao, and Marikina. The group’s nationwide affiliates will also participate in paralyzing public transport in key areas, such as Baguio City, selected routes in Central Luzon and Southern Tagalog, and in the Bicol region. 



In Visayas, the United Negros Drivers Center (UNDOC-NEGROS) in Negros Occidental and the PISTON-Panay and Hugpong Transport in Panay Island will hold a two-day strike on May 12-13.

The group said a protest rally will also be held in Cebu. In Mindanao, PISTON’s allied groups will hold strikes in Davao City, General Santos City, Cagayan de Oro, Iligan City, Butuan City, and other areas.


AJLPP said that it is just and principled for PISTON to use protest actions to reiterate the workers’ demand for the scrapping of the 12 percent expanded value added tax (E-VAT) on oil products and the Oil Deregulation Law.

Among those supporting the protest are the University of the Philippines Transport Alliance, which is composed of 300 jeepney drivers and 200 college students, party-list group Anakpawis, and AMIHAN, the National Federation of Peasant Women in the Philippines. #