2 day transport strike in Bicol

A two-day transportation strike in Bicol, arranged by the militant Bagong Alyansang Makabayan-Bikol (Bayan-Bikol) and the Concerned Drivers and Operators for Reform (Condor-Piston-Bikol), paralyzed more than 98 percent of operations in the city. The transportation strike was instigated in protest against the expanded value added tax (VAT) and the Oil Deregulation Law that the current administration put into effect. Officials with Bayan-Bikol stated that they will escalate their actions by conducting a "die-in protest" in front of the Petron station in Daraga. They are also vowing to participate in a nationwide strike that is being planned by Oagjajausa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON) for September/October 2008. PISTON has included its demand for wage hikes as another reason for holding nationwide protests and strikes against the government. Protesting wage hikes is likely to draw additional support from other groups, increasing the possibility for severe disruption in larger cities, including Manila, the capital. In response, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo stated that the government will not abolish the VAT, but instead will provide VAT-funded subsidies for transport and agriculture in order to ease the financial burden on these sectors.