News Release
December 12, 2007

The umbrella group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) today announced that it was all set to participate in the planned nationwide protest actions against oil price increases which would include a transport strike from militant group PISTON. The group said that the inability of the Arroyo government to act on the demands for a stop to oil price increases is the reason for the nationwide protests.

Bayan secretary general Renato M. Reyes, Jr. said that the successive oil price increases, and the impending increases also in electricity rates, water rates and prices of pan de sal, have all sapped the whatever holiday cheer is left for the people.

“This may well be the most difficult Christmas season under the Arroyo administration. There are estimates that there would be another oil price hike come Christmas time or before the year ends. This is such as big burden on the Filipino people, not just the transport sector. We hold the Arroyo government responsible for these woes,” Reyes said.

“It certainly doesn’t help that power rates, water rates and even pan de sal prices are going up. In the face of these economic hardships, what is the Arroyo government doing? She’s been going on trips abroad with her entourage of hangers-on. She’s been paying off officials using public funds,” Reyes added.

Reyes said that the inconvenience that will be caused by the planned transport strike is “minimal compared to months of hardships due to rising prices.”

“It is a small sacrifice, a minor inconvenience. If there is a chance for us to generate a strong protest to stop another oil price increase, then it is well worth the one-day inconvenience. We surely cannot fault the drivers and operators because they have been languishing for months now because of the government’s failure to address the oil price hikes,” Reyes said.

Bayan assured the public of a peaceful yet militant protest tomorrow. “Everyone is welcome to join the protest centers. We also encourage private motorists to honk their horns when they pass by the strike centers. Tomorrow’s action is a people’s protest. All consumer affected by the price hikes have a stake in this activity,” Reyes said.

Bayan also hopes to get the attention of Congress in its efforts to review and repeal the Oil Deregulation Law which has allowed oil companies to raise prices at will. ###