March 24, 2026 | 06:56 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Thousands of transports and ride-hailing drivers staged a nationwide protest in the Philippines on March 26–27, 2026, opposing surging fuel prices that have sharply reduced their income.
As reported by Rappler, more than 5,000 ride-hailing drivers joined the two-day strike alongside jeepney, bus, and other public utility vehicle operators under the No to Oil Price Hike Coalition, which includes groups such as Piston and Manibela.
Motorcycle taxi drivers disabled their apps to avoid bookings, while other drivers took to the streets to protest what they see as the government’s inadequate response to rising fuel costs.
The protests come as global oil prices surge amid the United States-Israel war on Iran, driving local fuel prices above P100 per liter. The Philippines, which relies heavily on Middle Eastern oil, has been particularly affected.
According to CNA, drivers say their earnings have been severely impacted. Jeepney driver Toni Prado said his daily income had dropped drastically as most of his earnings now go toward fuel. “Before I could earn at least 1,000 pesos for three trips, now I only take home 200 pesos,” he said.
Other drivers echoed similar concerns, saying they are forced to work longer hours for less pay, making it difficult to cover basic needs such as food, electricity, and education.
The coalition is calling for the repeal of the Oil Deregulation Law and the removal of fuel taxes, while urging the government to take stronger control over fuel pricing instead of relying on market forces.
Although authorities have introduced measures such as fuel subsidies and tax adjustments, transport groups say these are insufficient to ease the burden on drivers.
Read: ICC Opens Hearing for Philippines Ex-President Duterte
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