Piston-Cebu firmly supported the protest launched on December 6 by tricycle and pedicab drivers in Balamban, Cebu. The drivers denounced the high fees and arbitrary requirements for their livelihood operations, especially in the aftermath of the devastation of Bagyong Tino in their communities and sources of livelihood.

They asserted the call for aid to recover from the disaster. They also demanded compensation for the loss of lives, homes, and livelihoods caused by the plunder of large companies in Cebu mountains, as well as the failed and ghost flood control projects.

“The demand of tricycle and pedicab drivers to revise the permit fees and remove requirements such as X-ray to obtain a permit and license is justified,” Piston-Cebu said. It added that their call for aid for those who lost their homes to the floods is also justified.

The drivers also called on the LTO to stop the apprehensions, heavy fines, and demerit points imposed on drivers of public utility vehicles.