By Richel Umel
Contributor
ILIGAN CITY — More than 600 traditional jeepney drivers paralyzed several public transport routes across Iligan City on Wednesday as they launched a three-day strike to demand a P5 fare increase amid soaring fuel prices.
The strike, organized by the Samahan ng mga Jeepney Drivers and Operators Association (BOSENA), runs from Wednesday, March 25, to Friday, March 27.
Jessie Sumaylo, BOSENA president, told the Mindanao Gold Star Daily in a phone interview that the protest action has the support of the local government.
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“The three-day transport strike was approved and supported by Mayor Frederick Wee Siao and the City Council led by Vice Mayor Ernest Oliver Uy,” Sumaylo said.
The strike involves jeepney drivers operating along several routes, including Barangay Dalipuga, Acmac, San Roque, St. Mary, Bagong Silang, Pala-o, Tubod Terminal, Suarez, Buru-un, and Ubaldo Laya up to Lugait, Misamis Oriental.
BOSENA’s primary demand is an increase in the minimum jeepney fare.
“The proposed fare increase is from P13 to P18, equivalent to a P5 increase in the minimum utility fare,” Sumaylo said.
Aside from the fare adjustment, the transport group is also calling on the national government to suspend fuel-related taxes.
“BOSENA also urged the national government to suspend the implementation of the eight percent excise tax and the 12 percent value-added tax, which drivers say cut around P800 from their daily income,” Sumaylo explained.
He also raised concerns about the distribution of government fuel subsidies, recalling issues during the COVID-19 pandemic when some drivers reportedly did not receive their share.
“I hope the fuel subsidy from the national government will be given fairly to legitimate drivers and operators,” Sumaylo said. “Dapat tagsa og card pag claim.”
The group is likewise pushing for the reopening of a Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) satellite office in Iligan to make transactions easier for local drivers and operators.
Following a recent meeting with LTFRB-10 officials, Sumaylo said he appealed to Regional Director Aljo Bendejo to reestablish the office.
“I informed Director Bendejo to reestablish the LTFRB satellite office in Iligan with competent personnel so drivers and operators will not have to travel to Cagayan de Oro for transactions,” he said.
According to Sumaylo, Bendejo committed to coordinate with the Iligan City government on the matter.
To help commuters affected by the strike, modern mini-buses and motorcycles continue to operate along routes from Suarez, Sta. Elena, Dalipuga, Buru-un, and Linamon, serving students and workers traveling to the city.
Sumaylo said the strike remains peaceful, with BOSENA members divided into four groups to maintain order.
The 2nd Mechanized Infantry ‘Magbalantay’ Brigade and the local police are closely monitoring the strike to maintain order.
“The Task Force Iligan under the 2nd Mechanized Infantry ‘Magbalantay’ Brigade and the Philippine National Police are closely monitoring the transport strike to prevent possible third-party infiltration,” Sumaylo said. (With reports from Nora Soriño)
