Transport Strike and People’s Protest highlights demands for immediate and long-term solutions to oil price hikes, Sept 19, 2011

Transport Strike and People’s Protest highlights demands

for immediate and long-term solutions to oil price hikes

■ Manila ■ Davao City ■ Cagayan de Oro City ■ Cotabato City

September 19, 2011

Photos courtesy of AGHAM Nasyunal, Karlos Manlupig, Paul Anthony Crooks, KAWAGIB, People's March, Tudla Prod and Tyrone Velez as indicated by the filenames

Metro Manila





x Media Release 19 September Sa pagtatapos ng Protestang Bayan Lakas ng protesta vs. overpricing, di maikaila ng gobyerno “Minamaliit ng gobyerno ang protestang bayan ngayong araw para hindi sundin ang mga panawagan ng bayan sa langis.” Ito ang pahayag ng Kilusang Mayo Uno hinggil sa patapos nang protestang bayan ngayong araw, na may sangkap na mga mobilisasyon at welgang pantransportasyon sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng bansa. Ayon sa KMU, ang sumusunod ang nagawa ng protestang bayan ngayong araw na may panawagang P9.00 rollback sa kada litrong presyo ng langis, pagtanggal sa VAT sa langis, at pagbasura sa Oil Deregulation Law: (1) Naipaliwanag sa malawak na publiko ang mga batayan at panawagan ng protesta, at nakabig ang marami sa kanila, (2) Napalahok ang mahigit 5,000 mamamayan, bukod pa sa mga tsuper, sa Kamaynilaan at sampu-sampung libo naman sa buong bansa, (3) Naparalisa ang transportasyon sa buong Mindanao at ang signipikanteng bahagi ng Timog Katagalugan at Kamaynilaan, Sinabi pa ng KMU na hindi maikakaila ng gobyerno ang lakas ng protestang bayan na ipinakita ng iba’t ibang ginawa nito para pigilan ang protesta: (1) Ginapang nito ang ibang grupong pantransportasyon para hindi lumahok, (2) Nanakot ito sa mga tsuper na tatanggalan sila ng prangkisa kapag lumahok, (3) Nagparinig ito ng paglalabas umano ng bagong Pantawid Pasada, (4) Naglabas ito ng libreng sakay, (5) Tinambakan nito ng mga pulis at ginulo’t dinahas ang mga sentro ng protesta, (6) Nanakot ito na posibleng maging marahas ang mapayapang protesta, (7) Pinapunta si Mar Roxas sa Cubao para makipagdiyalogo umano sa mga nagpoprotesta, (8) Pinilit nitong sagutin ang mga argumento ng mga nagpoprotesta. Sa kabila nito, ayon sa KMU, nagpatuloy ang mga protesta at naging malakas pa nga. “Sa halip na kilalanin na malawak ang suporta sa mga panawagan sa isyu ng langis, gusto ng gobyernong Aquino na maliitin ang protesta para patuloy na makipagkutsabahan sa Big 3 Oil Companies,” sabi ni Elmer “Bong” Labog, tagapangulo ng KMU. “Halatang gusto ng gobyernong Aquino na patuloy na hayaan ang overpricing ng kartel, ang pagkolekta ng pahirap na VAT sa langis, at pagpapatupad ng Oil Deregulation Law,” sabi niya. “Nagpapasalamat at nagpupugay kami sa lahat ng mga manggagawa, tsuper at mamamayan na lumahok at sumuporta sa protestang bayan at welgang pantransportasyon ngayong araw. Pero nagsisimula pa lang tayo,” dagdag niya. “Halatang gusto ng gobyernong Aquino na patuloy na makipagkutsabahan sa Big 3 sa panghuhuthot at pagnanakaw sa atin. Kaya kailangan nating ipagpatuloy at palawakin pa ang protesta sa mga darating na buwan,” aniya. Reference: Elmer "Bong" Labog, KMU chairperson, 0919-4163451 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Media Release 19 September 2011 People’s protests, transport strikes held vs. overpricing “Pres. Aquino tried to stop these protests from erupting, but he is clearly unsuccessful.” This was labor center Kilusang Mayo Uno’s statement today, as it led various organizations in holding people’s protests and transport strikes throughout the country to condemn the overpricing in petroleum products and the Aquino government’s collusion in this. Transport strikes were held in the National Capital Region, in Mindanao and in Southern Tagalog, while various forms of protests were held in different parts of the country. In Metro Manila, progressive organizations massed up at different protest centers as early as 7:00 in the morning. These centers include Philcoa, Litex, National Housing Authority, Kamias-Kalayaan, Cubao and Monumento in Quezon City, Sta. Mesa, Delpan-Divisoria, Anda Circle and Quirino-Taft in Manila, and in Marikina, among other 20 areas. Leaflets were distributed, speeches made and programs held in these areas. Passersby were given red ribbons which symbolize protest against a president whose symbol is the yellow ribbon. Noise barrage protests were held every hour in the protest centers. “Despite Pres. Aquino’s divide-and-rule tactic against the transport sector and his repeated threats to drivers that franchises will be cancelled, workers, drivers and poor people carried on with today’s protests,” said Elmer “Bong” Labog, KMU chairperson. “That shows you just how people want an end to the suffering being inflicted by the Big 3 oil companies in overpricing their products and the Aquino government’s collusion in this scheme,” he added. “We continue to fight for the demands that Pres. Aquino simply ignored in his so-called ‘dialogue’ with the transport sector last 09 September: an immediate P9.00 rollback in the per liter prices of oil, the removal of VAT in petroleum products, and the junking of the Oil Deregulation Law,” Labog said. “Junking the Oil Deregulation Law is most important, as this is the first step for the government to regulate oil prices and provide immediate relief to our workers and people who are suffering from poverty and hunger,” he added. The Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operators Nationwide or Piston led the transport strike, while KMU was joined by other progressive organizations such as the Confederation for Unity, Recognition and Advancement of Government Employees or Courage, the Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap or Kadamay, Anakbayan, Gabriela, Migrante and the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan or Bayan. “Pres. Aquino should not be so arrogant or naive as to think that these protests will subside in the coming days. The workers and people are just starting, and oil prices are bound to increase unabated in the coming weeks and months,” Labog said. “We vow to continue making our voices heard on this issue until we get the immediate relief that we have been demanding and rightfully deserve,” he added. Reference: Elmer “Bong” Labog, KMU chairperson, 0908-1636597







Bayan calls for mass protests against oil deregulation, VAT impositions Posted on 17 September 2011 by admin News Release September 18,, 2011 The umbrella group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan today called on the public to make their voices heard on the issue of oil deregulation and the imposition of the Value Added Tax on oil products and toll fees. The group will be joining nationwide mass protests tomorrow to send a message to Malacanang that it has not done anything substantial to address the public’s economic woes. “The protests on Monday only underscore the absence of any substantial and meaningful response by the administration to the people’s economic demands. We are being bludgeoned by weekly oil price increases, by the VAT on oil, and soon, by the VAT on toll fees. This triple whammy is just too much,” said Bayan secretary general Renato M. Reyes, Jr. While protests are expected be peaceful, various groups are hoping to send a strong message to the Aquino administration. “Malacanang cannot blame the people for choosing to go to the streets. The problems are getting worse and the government offers non-solutions. Instead of finding fault in the protesters, government should focus on immediate and medium-term solutions to the oil problem. Pantawid-pasada just won’t cut it anymore,” Reyes said. People’s review of deregulation Bayan is also readying a “people’s review” of more than a decade of the oil deregulation law, which it plans to submit to the Executive and to Congress. President Aquino has asked several government agencies to conduct a review of the oil deregulation law after a dialogue with transport leaders last week.			“The people’s review will go beyond just making the oil deregulation law work. The people’s review aims to highlight the inherent flaws of deregulation as a policy. We will back up our analysis with hard facts. The results of the review will be submitted to Malacanang and to the Senate and House energy committees,” Reyes said. “If Aquino is serious in reviewing the deregulation law, he should be open to inputs not just from his economic team but also from consumer groups and other affected sectors,” he added. In the past, Bayan together with Ibon Foundation, scientist group AGHAM and consumer group POWER conducted a “people’s review” of a decade of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) and submitted to the results to the House Committee on Energy. Immediate call to scrap VAT on oil and toll Bayan also reiterated its call to scrap the VAT on oil and toll to spare consumers further economic burdens. The VAT on toll takes effect October 1 this year. According to the Congressional Policy and Budget Research Department, VAT on oil revenues are expected to reach P70 billion this year, or a windfall of P26 billion, because of constantly increasing oil prices. This is significantly bigger than last year’s VAT on oil collection of P45 billion. “Instead of asking the public to tighten their belts, government should instead tighten its own by reducing VAT collections on oil and toll fess. The public has long been trying to make ends meet and making sacrifices. We have not seen the government make any sacrifice,” Reyes. “Government is obsessed with collecting the P70 billion in VAT on oil revenues at the expense of the people. It’s just obscene to be earning windfall revenues of P26 billion while the public suffers from high oil prices. Our policymakers are either callous or oblivious towards the people’s plight,” he added. ###





			x Media Release 19 September 2011 Protestang Bayan laban sa overpricing, tagumpay – KMU “Sa dami ng mga lumahok at nakiisa, tagumpay ang Protestang Bayan ngayong araw.” Ito ang pahayag ng sentrong unyong Kilusang Mayo Uno ngayong tanghali, sa gitna ng paglulunsad ng protestang bayan at tigil-pasada laban sa overpricing sa langis. Ayon sa KMU, naparalisa ang kalakhan ng transportasyon sa Mindanao at Timog Katagalugan, gayundin ang maraming ruta sa Kamaynilaan. Marami rin ang tumungo sa mga sentro ng protesta sa iba’t ibang panig ng bansa. Sa pulso ng KMU, bagamat marami sa publiko ang apektado ng protestang bayan, kalakhan ay sang-ayon na wasto ang ipinaglalaban ng mga nagpoprotesta. “Talagang marami na at dumarami pa ang nagpoprotesta sa overpricing sa langis, sa VAT sa langis, sa Oil Deregulation Law at sa gobyernong nagpapakainutil sa harap ng paghihirap ng bayan,” ani Elmer “Bong” Labog, chairperson ng KMU. “Hudyat pa lang ito ng mas malaking protesta. Dahil papataas ang presyo ng langis, papatindi rin ang mga protesta sa mga darating na buwan,” dagdag pa niya. Ipinaubaya naman ng KMU ang pag-aanunsyo ng paralisis ng transportasyon sa grupong Piston o Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operators Nationwide. Pandarahas, perwisyo Kinondena ng KMU ang pandarahas ng kapulisan sa iba’t ibang sentro ng protesta. Ayon dito, ginamitan ng dahas ang mga nagpoprotesta sa España, Philcoa, Cubao at Monumento – bagamat nanatili ang nagpoprotesta. “Desperado na ang gobyernong Aquino. Ayaw kasi nitong sundin ang panawagan ng bayan. At gusto nitong takutin ang publiko at patahimikin ang mga nagpoprotesta,” ani Labog. Samantala, tinuligsa rin ng KMU si Department of Transportation and Communication Sec. Mar Roxas sa pagsasabing “perwisyo” ang mga nagpoprotesta sa pakikipag-usap niya sa mga ito sa Cubao. Inamin ni Roxas na pinapunta siya ni Pang. Benigno Aquino para magsalita sa protesta. “Alam ng tao ang totoo: Hindi ang protesta ang perwisyo kundi ang magnanakaw na kartel sa langis at ang nagpapakainutil na gobyernong Aquino,” sabi ni Labog. “Ang maliliit nating kababayan lang ang kinakaya ng gobyernong Aquino. Malupit itong magsalita sa mahihirap habang kinukunsinti ang mga dambuhalang kumpanya ng langis,” dagdag niya. Reference: Elmer “Bong” Labog, KMU chairperson, 0919-4163451









x NEWS RELEASE 18 September 2011 CWS supports the people’s protest vs. oil price increases The Church People-Workers’ Solidarity (CWS) calls on government to listen to the demands of the transport and other groups launching a transport strike against high oil price increases, saying that the people have a right to protest, “to participate in social and economic life” and to work for the common good (cf. Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, 333). Quoting the Church’s social teachings, Jaro Auxiliary Bishop Gerardo Alminaza, one of the convenors of CWS said that “governments must work for the realization of the common good. It has also the duty to protect the rights of all its people, and particularly of its weaker members, the workers, women and children. (Blessed John XXIII’s Mater et Magistra, # 20)” “Oil price has increased more than 20 times since January 2011, and this is causing added burden not only to drivers and operators but to workers, peasants, fisherfolks, and their families.” Transport groups are calling for P9.00 per liter rollback of price of all oil products, as overpricing in oil prices since last year has reportedly reached to P9.00 per liter as a result of the monopoly of the Big 3 (Shell, Petron and Caltex) and the government’s deregulation policy. “In a situation where workers receive very little wages, the unabated oil price hikes erode the value of our workers’ income since prices of basic commodities also shoot up. The effect is far worse for workers whose jobs and income are both irregular.” Ibon, an independent research institution, says that increases in oil prices are driving inflation. Bishop Alminaza is also concerned of reports that both oil companies and the Philippine government are raking in billions in profits and revenues at the expense of the ordinary consumers. According to Ibon Foundation, the profits of the oil firms since 2001 have totaled to P141.7 B in 2010. The Philippine government has also been getting revenues of P48 billion pesos annually or a total of P239.6 B in the last five years due to the 12% VAT on oil, according to a study by Ibon. “Profit at the expense of the poor is immoral and unjust. The Church is very clear in its teachings that the well-being of our toiling brothers and sisters should come first before profit. Government must regulate oil industry to moderate the greed of private oil firms. The welfare of the majority must be prioritized,” Alminaza added. Alminaza said the government must heed the calls for the review of the oil deregulation policy and for the removal of VAT on oil products. A legitimate strike Meanwhile, Garry Martinez, spokesperson of the CWS, also reacted to the threat of Malacañang and PNP that they will arrest those who will join the transport strike. “The transport strike is a lawful exercise of a constitutional right to freedom of expression and of assembly. It is a legitimate form of action of the people, so that those in power will be able to listen to the people’s demands,” Martinez said. “The Aquino administration must show the political will to stop the big oil companies from imposing unreasonable prices. The proposed extension of pantawid pasada program (PPP) which Aquino promised to prevent transport groups from staging the strike is not the solution. The PPP budget of P450 million is not even 1% of the government’s annual revenue from VAT on oil. The transport sector together with the people must be firm in its calls to rollback oil prices, to end the control of the oil cartel and remove VAT on oil.”# Reference: Bishop Gerardo A. Alminaza, D.D., Church People-Workers’ Solidarity (CWS) Convenor Mr. Garry Martinez, Church People-Workers’ Solidarity (CWS) Convenor and Spokesperson Mobile No. 0939-3914418 Email address: churchpeople.workers.solidarity@gmail.com







			x NEWS RELEASE 19 September 2011 Reference: LANA LINABAN, Secretary General (0908 9653852) / Public Info Dept (371-2302) FUEL SUBSIDY CARDS VS OIL PRICE HIKES, A SHORT-SIGHTED SOLUTION TO A LONG STANDING PROBLEM – GABRIELA Members of GABRIELA woke up early this morning and prepared to start the week. But unlike any ordinary week, the women, mostly from urban poor communities, fulfilled their usual chores earlier to join the protest in response to the call for people's strike against oil price hikes and the overpricing of petroleum products. “Women as consumers have long felt the brunt of rising prices of petroleum products and its impact on basic commodities and necessities. It enrages us to know that the Aquino government has no immediate solution to offer but fuel subsidy cards for drivers,” said Lana Linaban, Secretary General of GABRIELA. Linaban said that women are fed up with the Aquino government’s band-aid solutions like the “Pantawid” programs instead of taking up long term solutions to the people's woes. Last Thursday, after a dialogue with transport groups, the government again announced the continuation of the distribution of fuel subsidy cards for drivers while merely agreeing to study the repeal of the Oil Deregulation Law. “These fuel subsidy cards will be rendered useless with the unabated increase in oil prices. The amount (P1,050) is not even enough to cover the P480 per day loss in the income of drivers, driving thus their families deeper into poverty.” Linaban said that ultimately, the government must heed the calls for long-term solutions such as the repeal of the Oil Deregulation Law which strengthened the monopoly of oil companies in the oil industry. Blatant overpricing and enormous profit accumulation of oil corporations amid widespread poverty would possibly lead to public unrests like those in West Asia and North Africa. Linaban quickly added that the protest actions in the Philippines, while more organized and peaceful than those in said regions, are similarly aimed to air out the people’s sentiments against rising prices of basic commodities. “Our protest actions should be enough to warn the government that the people’s patience has limits. Short term solutions may offer relief but these may not be enough to tide a government up to the end of its term,” Linaban ended with a warning. ### Public Information Department GABRIELA National Alliance of Women in the Philippines (+632) 3712302



Davao City




Women activists took to the streets in Davao City on Sunday through a fun run activity to protest against the successive oil price hikes in the country. According to Gabriela, the oil hikes have wrought its toll on women and their families because of its effects on the prices of basic commodities. Karlos Manlupig

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x Press Release 19 September 2011 Anakpawis lauds the courage of Filipino drivers “Amid threats and intimidation from Malacañang, the transport sector and the Filipino people showed remarkable courage in battling the sky-rocketing prices of oil products and Aquino’s failure to address this issue” This was the statement of Anakpawis Partylist as the Nationwide Transport Strike and People’s Protest pushed through today. Cherry Clemente, Anakpawis Secretary-General said “this day will be marked in history as the day that Filipino drivers and the whole nation stood up against the greediness of the oil cartel and a government that connives with them in oppressing the people”. “Today we have shown these oil companies that we will not tolerate them from robbing us of our already meager earnings even if they have the Aquino administration to protect them” she added. Clemente already declared that the strike and the mass protests was a success and challenged the Aquino administration to address the demands of the people for substantial solutions such as a P9.00 rollback on oil prices, the scrapping of the 12% EVAT on oil and the repealing of the Oil Deregulation Law. “As early as now we can say that the transport strike and the people’s protests is successful for we have exposed the failure of the Aquino administration in addressing the issue of oil price hikes and the demands of the people for concrete and substantial solutions” Clemente said. “But knowing the character of this administration, they will surely attempt to divert the issues and avoid our demands by uttering statements to vilify our protests. But the fact that we have gathered enormous support from both drivers and commuters proves the justness and righteousness of our cause. That is why we call on Aquino to immediately heed our demands and stop showing bias for the oil cartel” she added. Anakpawis Partylist also warned that today is only the beginning of more protests and strikes to hit President Aquino if he would continue favoring the interests of the oil companies over the interests and well-being of the Filipino people. “This is just the beginning of more transport strikes and people’s protests to come. And we assure Aquino that these protests would intensify and gain more support from different sectors if he persists in rejecting our demands just to protect the interests of his real bosses, the oil cartel” said Clemente. Clemente ended by congratulating the Filipino drivers and people for the success of today’s protests and vows to continue the battle against the oil cartel and its collusion with the Aquino administration inside and outside the House of Representatives. “We extend our warmest praise to all who courageously participated in today’s protests. For our part, Anakpawis Partylist will continue to push for legislative measures in Congress like the immediate passage of House Bill 4317, the bill calling for the repeal the Oil Deregulation Law. But as we have shown today, the battle against the greediness of the oil cartel and the Aquino administration that protects them must most importantly be taken to the streets.” Clemente ended. ## Reference: Cherry Clemente, Anakpawis Secretary-General, 0919-291-0233 ______________________________________________________________________________ Partylist ng masa... ANAKPAWIS 56 K-9 Street, West Kamias, Quezon City 1102 email: anakpawis2003@yahoo.com, anakpawis@gmail.com visit our website http://anakpawis.net/







			x Press Release 18 September 2011 Anakpawis – “We are one with the transport sector, we will join the people’s protest tommorow” In a picket-protest, Anakpawis Partylist announced that they will take part in the transport strike by joining the people’s protest in support of the said strike. According to Cherry Clemente, Secretary-General of Anakpawis, “the uncontrollable increases of oil prices does not only affect the transport sector. It also burdens the whole nation as everyone knows that oil price increases results in increases of prices of basic goods and services.” The group brought a barrel bearing the logos of the “Big 3” and President Noynoy Aquino to illustrate how the oil cartel’s greed and its connivance with the Aquino government affects the basic masses of workers and peasants. “The cartel dictates the increase prices of oil products in the country however high and overpriced it may be without any control from the government. The government actually benefits our burden by imposing the 12% EVAT that adds almost P5.00 to the price of oil” Clemente said. “Because of the connivance between the oil cartel and the Aquino administration, lessens the value of the already meager wages of our workers and the even smaller earnings of our peasants and farm workers becomes worthless amid the unstoppable price increases” she added. Anakpawis reiterated their call for the immediate repealing of the Oil Deregulation Law and the junking of the 12% EVAT on oil to temporarily cushion the effects of oil price increases. “Yes these are temporary solutions as relief from the unstoppable oil price hikes. But these are better than Aquino’s vague promises and useless Pantawid Pasada Cards” said Clemente. Lastly, Anakpawis called on the people to join the protests tommorrow and link arms with the transport sector in hitting the oil cartel and the Aquino government. “We call on the Filipino people to link arms with our brothers in the transport sector. Let us show support to the transport strike by joining the people’s protests tommorow and show the oil cartel and the Aquino administration that we will not tolerate their greed and their connivance in making our lives miserable.” Clemente ended. ## Reference: Cherry Clemente, Anakpawis Secretary-General, 0919-291-0233 ______________________________________________________________________________ Partylist ng masa... ANAKPAWIS 56 K-9 Street, West Kamias, Quezon City 1102 email: anakpawis2003@yahoo.com, anakpawis@gmail.com visit our website http://anakpawis.net/ ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Press Release 15 September 2011 Aquino’s insincerity justifies the need for a transport strike - Anakpawis Anakpawis Partylist pledged support for the transport strike set on September 19 saying it is the only way to push the government to start addressing the issue of soaring oil prices that has burdened not only the transport sector but most especially the broad masses of workers and peasants. Joel Maglunsod, Executive Vice President of Anakpawis said “The meeting yesterday at Malacañang was a failure. The Aquino administration showed no interest at all in addressing the problem of unstoppable oil price hikes. It was just a futile attempt to destroy the unity of transport groups and prevent the strike by giving individual favors and promises while avoiding the main issue of sky rocketing oil prices” “This insincerity justifies the need for a transport strike. If The Aquino administration would continue protecting the oil cartel, we have no choice but to push him harder until his ears start listening and his body starts moving” Maglunsod added. Maglunsod also reacted on Malacañang’s threat against transport groups who would join the strike calling it a vulgar display of bias for the oil cartel. “Whenever the oil cartel decides to increase their prices, the government pathetically says they have no power to stop it. But they can arrogantly exercise all their power to intimidate and prevent the people especially the transport sector from complaining” said Maglunsod. “This clearly show who his real bosses are. Aquino is willing to deprive the people of their freedom of expression and right to peaceably assemble to protect the interest of these oil companies” he added. Anakpawis insisted that the Aquino administration must immediately repeal the Oil Deregulation Law and scrap the 12% EVAT on oil products to ease the effects of soaring oil prices and to prove his administration’s sensitivity to the people’s demands. “We urge Aquino to seriously address the issue of oil price hikes instead of issuing these threats and displaying bias for the oil cartel. We reiterate our call for the immediate passage of our House Bill 4317. This bill aims to repeal the oil deregulation law and gives the government power to control oil prices to stop these oil companies from siphoning superprofits from the Filipino people” said Maglunsod. ## Reference: Joel Maglunsod, Anakpawis Executive Vice President 985-5382, 0922-830-7275 _____________________________________________________________________ Partylist ng masa... ANAKPAWIS 56 K-9 Street, West Kamias, Quezon City 1102 email: anakpawis2003@yahoo.com, anakpawis@gmail.com visit our website http://anakpawis.net/














x League of Filipino Students 118-B Sct. Rallos Ext., Bgy Sacred Heart, Quezon City PRESS RELEASE September 19, 2011 Palace inaction is the problem with oil prices LFS chides Palace childish remarks on transport strike "It would serve the public better if the Palace refrains from sending out absolutely childish inflammatory messages against today's strikers." This was the reaction of Terry Ridon, national chairperson of the League of Filipino Students as Sec. Edwin Lacierda remarked on social networking site Twitter, "The feeling is mutual. Dismayado din kami sa PISTON. They choose to be part of the problem, not the solution." Ridon said that instead of making such remarks the Palace should seriously address the concerns of the striking drivers, particularly the removal of the 12% VAT on oil products and the repeal of the oil deregulation law. "The main problem really is Palace inaction over the strikers' concerns. The meeting with the President last week was purposely done to destroy the unity among transport groups." Previously the Palace had labeled the LFS as "onion-skinned" for lamenting the 'dictatorship' tag on the group by President Aquino. "Instead of making cheap shots at legitimately protesting organizations, the Palace should instead make certain its commitments to the transport sector and push for the removal of VAT on oil products and the repeal of the oil deregulation law." Ridon said that the transport strike was peaceful and the traffic that ensued was attributable to the suspension of the MMDA Number Coding Scheme. "The drivers had but stationary protest areas and no lanes were blocked to ensure the free flow of traffic. Nothing else can thus be blamed other than the suspension of the MMDA of the Number Coding Scheme." -- "the development of each is the development of all." teridon.blospot.com








			x IBON Media Release / 19 September 2011 IBON Foundation, Inc., IBON Center 114 Timog Avenue, Quezon City Philippines Phone: (632) 927-6986/927-7060 to 62\|Fax: 929-2496\| E-mail: media@ibon.org www.ibon.org OIL DEREGULATION LAW REVIEW MUST FOCUS ON PRICING AND PROFITS The review of the oil deregulation law ordered by Malacañang is welcome but should not pre-judge that the problem in the oil industry is only the lack of competition. According to research group IBON, among the key issues in the oil industry involve the pricing schemes and profits of the oil firms. The group added that the review will be more effective if it is a multi-stakeholder process involving not just government agencies but affected sectors and independent experts. The review of the Oil Deregulation Law (RA 8479) ordered by Malacañang last week will reportedly look into ways of making the local oil industry more competitive. This reportedly includes ensuring a level playing field, encouraging the entry of more players and cracking down on smuggling. However, presuming that mere lack of competition as the only flaw is problematic. It drastically limits the scope of the review and diverts from the main issue of monopoly pricing and excessive profits from an economically vital service industry. This bias will then also drastically limit the options for bringing down the high price of oil. At best, this might result in just making insignificant revisions in the RA 8479. IBON added that eleven years since the full downstream oil industry deregulation in 1998 have confirmed how the oil firms increase pump prices by more than is warranted by increases in the global price of crude oil, and how they decrease pump prices by less than the decreases in the global price of crude. Initial estimates of IBON indicate that the oil firms have been charging an additional 20-22% more for diesel, for instance, than is called for by the increases in the price of Dubai crude. Meanwhile, Shell, Chevron and Petron have reported net income of at least Php152 billion over the period 2001-2010. The government is also benefiting from high oil prices, collecting Php239.6 billion in oil VAT revenues in the last five years, or an average of some Php48 billion per year.(end) IBON Foundation, Inc. is an independent development institution established in 1978 that provides research, education, publications, information work and advocacy support on socioeconomic issues. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- IBON Media Release / 20 September 2011 IBON Foundation, Inc., IBON Center 114 Timog Avenue, Quezon City Philippines Phone: (632) 927-6986/927-7060 to 62\|Fax: 929-2496\| E-mail: media@ibon.org \|http://www.ibon.org REAL REGULATION SOLUTION TO HIGH OIL PRICES With the creation of an inter-agency taskforce to supposedly review oil overpricing, it is expected that the Aquino administration can already start taking steps to control the unreasonably high prices of oil products. According to research group IBON, this demands real governmnent regulation because of the monopolistic nature of the oil industry. As of end-August, the oil firms have increased the price of diesel 20 times and of gasoline 24 times. Diesel is now Php4.80 more expensive than at the start of the year and gasoline Php7.60 more expensive. According to IBON, addressing rising oil prices is essentially about confronting monopoly control of the oil industry. Businesses understandably seek to maximize profits but this is inappropriate for such a vital and strategic sector as the oil industry. There needs to be real regulation of the oil industry, including protection against tacit or overt collusion on pricing. This should go beyond repealing the Oil Deregulation Law (RA 8479), which will merely return the country to the imperfect regulated situation of the 1990s. Taking steps to return Petron to the hands of government is important to give it a firm anchor for intervening in the domestic market. Other possible interventions can include centralized procurement, some kind of fund for stabilizing prices, or the state exploring alternative trading arrangements. When the government has enough experience, capacity and technological capability it can move towards more complete nationalization of the oil industry. The relevant laws have to be changed, agencies have to be strengthened and multi-stakeholder processes put in place, said IBON. In the immediate, IBON said that the Aquino administration could lower oil product prices by the removal of the reformed value-added tax (RVAT) on oil. The government can also push for full transparency with the oil firms opening up their books, supply sources and contracts, payments abroad, stocks and inventories, operating expenses and profits. These can be subjected to a multi-stakeholder review involving affected sectors and independent experts. The veil of secrecy that the oil firms and government have created must be broken, said the group. (end) IBON Foundation, Inc. is an independent development institution established in 1978 that provides research, education, publications, information work and advocacy support on socioeconomic issues.












Cagayan de Oro City




x Transport Strike and People’s Protest to push for immediate and long-term solutions to oil price hikes Joint Statement September 15, 2011 The people are once again called upon to unite and push for the long-sought immediate economic relief and long term solutions to the skyrocketing oil prices. It has now become more legitimate, necessary and urgent for the people to initiate widespread and sustaining actions amidst the Aquino administration’s leniency towards the oil companies which manipulate oil prices according to their whims for profits at the expense of the people who become more and more desperately poor everyday. Thus, the Solidarity of Transport Alliance in Region X (STAREX-PISTON), Bagong Alyansang Makabayan – NMR, Kilusang Mayo Uno – NMR, Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap – CDO, ANAKBAYAN – CDO and other nationalist and progressive organizations in this region, declare our participation to the NATIONWIDE PEOPLE’S PROTEST AND TRANSPORT STRIKE which is set on September 19, 2011, from 4am to 4pm. In the first fifteen months of the Aquino administration, prices of oil have increased 35 times with a total of P16 per liter while on the other hand there were only six token rollbacks. Oil firms and P-Noy government have been consistently singing the same tune as to the supposed reason for the increases: that it is the world market that dictates oil prices and that we are essentially helpless in this regard. The Department of Energy had even come up with its lame excuse that it has no power to regulate oil prices since its mandate is only to monitor oil prices. It is obvious that the Aquino government favors the oil companies. This is not surprising given the fact that 68% of Petron is controlled by San Miguel Corporation, which is owned by Danding Cojuangco, P-Noy’s uncle. With its distorted fiscal policies and priorities the Aquino administration refused to remove the regressive 12% EVAT on oil which is essentially taxing the poor while on the other hand, big corporations like Shell and Chevron which have supposedly not been paying Malampaya taxes properly are not being confronted. It is simply not true that the government is helpless and cannot do anything to control oil prices. There are immediate and long-term solutions which are feasible and doable. These could be done only under a kind of government that does not aggressively push and place corporate or elite interests over that of the people but a government that prioritizes above everything else the people’s development needs. We reiterate our demands: a. Rollback to P9/liter the prices of oil and remove the almost P6/liter EVAT, resulting to a P15/liter oil price decrease. b. Nationalize the oil industry by doing the following measures and mechanisms: i. SCRAP the Oil Deregulation Law ii. Properly utilize and develop our own alternative energy sources for our own benefit instead of selling these off to foreign investors. Develop our natural gas reserves of around 700 million barrels of oil equivalent and coal reserves of 8.6 billion barrels of oil equivalent, which could provide our energy needs for a decade even without oil imports. iii. Centralized procurement of imported crude oil and refined petroleum products by the government. With this, the government can regulate the price of oil and petroleum products. iv. Buy back Petron Corporation. Petron has refining capacity, storage facilities, distribution lines as well as 40% of the domestic market. v. Create a long-term buffer fund supply and at the same time, allocate a buffer fund to cushion the impact on consumers of sudden increases in oil prices. The buffer fund or income and not to be shouldered by the consumers. We call on the people to join us on September 19, 2011. Our demands are valid, legitimate and urgent and for our own long-term well-being and interests. Sonny Hinosolango Vanessa Entia Nestor Pepito Spokesperson Deputy Secretary General Regional Coordinator STAREX-PISTON BAYAN-NMR KMU-NMR Francisco Pagayaman Antonio Pasco, Jr. Richard Colao Secretary General Spokesperson Regional Coordinator KADAMAY – CDO ANAKBAYAN – CDO KMP – NMR







			Official Declaration of Solidarity of Transport Alliance in Region 10 99% paralysis in Cagayan de Oro 100% Iligan City 90% Valencia City until 10:00am (protesters were harassed and dispersed) 60% Malaybalay City.






Cotabato City


			September 19, 2011 PRESS STATEMENT The continuous increase of oil prices has brought untold sufferings and robs even further the people of their hard-earned income. The increases are not justified as according to IBON Foundation there should have been cuts in oil prices from P7.00 – P9.00. The unabated increases in oil prices started when Republic Act 8479 (An act deregulating the downstream oil industry and for other purposes) was enacted into law in 1998. The objective of deregulation is to promote and encourage the entry of new participants in the oil industry which will create a competitive market under a regime of fair prices and continuous supply of oil. However, things did not turn on that direction. While there are new players in the oil industry, competition did not pull the prices of oil and on the contrary it pushes the prices upwards. Having no social obligations, the oil company’s rakes billion in profits and blames the prices increases to the fluctuating world crude oil prices, peso-dollar exchange rates and the political unrest in the Middle East. For more than a decade now, the oil deregulation law has failed in its objectives. So far, it has succeeded only in ensuring the foreign oil companies of super profits and made the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) helpless and inutile. This only lend credence to the study that there is “no hope for fair prices under deregulation” Despite mounting protest, the P-Noy administration remains deaf and continues to assure the profits of big oil companies. The government has consistently rejected the calls of many sectors to junk RA 8479 and/or at the very least, remove and or decrease the 12% VAT on oil prices. Finding a solution to the problem appears remote; as the government says that reversing the oil deregulation law would mean that it would subsidize the price. The Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) has not only refused to understand the fact that without government strong intervention in oil industry, the economy will continue to experience the domino effect of oil price increases. LEDAC priority has been greatly influenced by the dictates of the MFI’s (World Bank-International Monetary Fund-Asian Development Bank) and the United States through the USAID. Bills that would deregulate/decouple the remaining government agencies giving services to the people were prioritized. The priority now is to veer away from what they call costly subsidy and instead re-channel the subsidy fund for foreign loan payments. Under the deregulated oil industry, the cartels controls the oil from production to distribution and because of this, we can never expect prices and competition to be fair. As it is folly to leave the oil industry in the hands of oil cartels, there is a need to eventually solve the perennial oil problems and end cartels greed for profits. Instead of liberalizing the oil industry and free competition, the government should repeal RA 8479 and once again, assume the role of both a “referee” and “player” at the same time by performing the regulatory and proprietary functions. The government should immediately break the control of the oil cartels and should now strongly intervene in the importation, refining, storing, distribution, retailing of oil and petroleum products. Today, progressive organizations headed by Anakpawis party-list group representing the marginalized sector of workers and farmers will stage a protest action in Cotabato city to express dismay on the continued protection of President Benigno Simeon Aquino III to oil cartels and not from the legitimate demands of the Filipino people. Protect the socio-economic welfare of the people! Junk the Oil Deregulation Law and Nationalize the Oil Industry! Support HB 4317 or “An Act Repealing RA 8479! For Referrence: Mr. Nelson P. Sañada NFAEA –COURAGE





P-noy, Protektor ng tatlong dambuhalang kompanya ng langis; Nationwide Transport Strike tuloy na ngayong ika-19 ng Setyembre! Inutil at hindi para sa mamamayan ang administrasyon ni Pangulong Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino kundi para sa mga mayayaman at sa sinisilbihan nitong tatlong malalaking kompanya ng langis. Ito ang napatunayan ng malawak na masang anakpawis sa isang konsultasyon ng mga grupo ng transport sektor sa pangunguna ng Pinagkaisang Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide (PISTON) noong Setyembre 14, taong kasalukuyan. Sa halip na katigan nito ang pagbasura sa Republic Act 8479 o Batas na Nagdederegularisa sa Industriya ng Langis na nagbibigay kalayaan sa mga kompanya ng langis na magtakda ng sarili nitong presyo sa merkado ay bagkus palalawigin pa sa pamamagitan ng pag-eengganyo sa iba pang mga interesadong pumasok sa pagnenegosyo ng langis. Ito ay upang umano ay maging maganda ang daloy ng kompetisyon sa merkado na kung titingnan ay isang ilusyon lang dahil kontrolado pa rin ng Petron, Shell at Caltex ang halos 80 porsiyento ng langis dito sa ating bansa . Naging bingi ito sa kahilingan na i-rollback ang presyo ng langis upang maitama ang labis na patong ng presyo nito mula P7-P9 kumpara sa tantiya ng Malacanang na sobra sa P2 ang dapat na i-rollback. Kung susuriin mula Enero nitong taon lamang mahigit sa labingsiyam na beses na tumaas ang presyo ng produktong petrolyo samantalang siyam na beses lamang ng ito ay mag-rollback. Kumita ng halos P269 bilyon ang Petron nito lamang na taon, pumapangalawa lamang ang Shell na may kitang P198 bilyon at P100 bilyon sa Caltex. Isa din sa mga kahilingan ng mga grupo ng tsuper kasama ang apektadong mamamayan ay ang kahilingan na tuluyang alisin ang 12 porsiyento na Expanded Value Added Tax (EVAT) at mga toll fees sa produktong petrolyo. Bagaman at kumikita dito ang gobyerno ng halos isang bilyon kada taon, hindi naman ito nararamdaman ng mamamayan bagkus ay lalo pang iniatang sa balikat ang bigat ng sunud-sunod na pagtaas ng presyo ng langis, pagtaas ng presyo ng mga bilihin at elektrisidad. Pilit na pinapabango ng gobyerno ang imahe nito sa pamamagitan ng programa nitong Pantawid-Pasada sa kabuuang halaga na P1400 para sa subsidiya sa mga grupo ng tsuper at tricycle drivers sa gitna ng kinakaharap na krisis. Subalit sa halip na ginhawa ay nagdulot pa ito ng perwisyo sa mga tsuper dahil sa mabagal na proseso na halos umabot sa isang araw. Dagdag pa, hindi naman ito nakakasagot sa tunay na pangangailangan ng naghihingalong mga konsumer at iba pang sektor sa lipunan. Ayon pa kay P-noy ng mangako ito sa taong bayan “kayo ang boss ko” ngunit tila nagbago ang ihip ng hangin at dinala ng kawalang pag-asa ang kasalukuyang administrasyon na lutasin ang naturang problema bagkus ay ipinangangalandakan nitong parurusahan ang oil cartels sakaling magpalaki ng tubo. Naniniwala ang sambayanan na walang pag-asa para sa isang patas na presyo sa ilalim ng deregulasyon kung kayat hinding-hindi ito titigil sa pagkalampag sa lansangan maging sa Kongreso upang muling ipanawagan na ibasura ang Oil Deregulation Law(ODL) at inasyunalisa ang pagmamay-ari, pagbili o pag-import ng mga produktong petrolyo kung saan ay mura ang presyo, pagmamanupaktura at pagbebenta ng langis mula sa mga posibleng potensiyal na mapagkunan nito tulad ng Sulu Sea, Liguasan Marsh, Mindanao Trench na may deposito ng Deuterium na naiuulat na hindi bastang mauubos at sa tinatayang 260 mm barrels ng langis at 600 bn cf ng gas na makikita dito sa ating bansa. Kung kaya’t sa darating na Lunes sa kabila ng banta ng Malacanang na tatanggalin ang prangkisa ng mga jeepney drivers and opereytors ay tuloy pa rin ang malaking tigil-pasada na pangungunahan ng grupong Piston at mga progresibong organisasyon upang igiit ang mga naturang kahilingan at ipakita sa gobyernong Aquino ang tunay na kalagayan ng mga tsuper at jeepney operators gayundin ang malawak na sambayanan. Ang labang ito ng mga drivers ay laban din ng sambayanan. Kailanman ay hindi nahihiwalay ang isyung ito sa pangkabuuang problema ng lipunan kaya iniimbitahan ang buong Cotabatenos na makiisa sa pagtitipong ito. Itigil ang sobrang patong sa presyo ng langis! Alisin ang 12% na VAT sa langis! Ibasura ang Oil Deregulation Law! Isabansa ang Industriya ng Langis at transportasyon! Suportahan ang House Bill 4317! SUPORTAHAN ANG NATIONWIDE TRANSPORT STRIKE NGAYONG SETYEMBRE 19, 2011 -SUARA BANGSAMORO, LIGA NG KABATAANG MORO, PISTON, ANAKPAWIS-

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