On Friday, thousands of drivers representing taxis, jeepneys, tricycles and freight trucks stopped work in a coordinated strike that spread through major urban centres such as Manila, Cebu and Davao. The action, organised by several transport unions, was a response to a sharp rise in fuel prices that the participants said had made daily operations financially untenable.
According to Al Jazeera, the protest began early in the morning and quickly affected commuter traffic, with reports of reduced public‑transport capacity and longer travel times in the capital region. Drivers indicated that the increase in gasoline and diesel costs over the past weeks had eroded profit margins, forcing many to consider abandoning their routes or seeking alternative livelihoods.
Government officials acknowledged the strike and called for calm, stating that authorities were monitoring the situation and would engage with transport representatives. The Department of Energy, cited by the outlet, noted that fuel price adjustments are linked to global oil market fluctuations and domestic tax policies, and that a review of the pricing mechanism could be undertaken if warranted.
Transport groups, while not providing exact figures, warned that prolonged disruptions could have broader repercussions for the economy, particularly for sectors reliant on road freight and commuter mobility. They urged the administration to consider temporary relief measures, such as subsidies or tax adjustments, to offset the burden on drivers.
The strike appears to be part of a growing wave of labour actions in the Philippines, where rising living costs have sparked unrest among various worker groups. Analysts referenced by Al Jazeera suggest that the transport sector’s grievances may intensify if fuel prices continue to climb, potentially prompting further collective actions.
As the protest entered its second day, some drivers reported a partial resumption of services in certain areas, while others maintained the walkout pending dialogue with officials. The situation remains fluid, with both sides indicating a willingness to negotiate but no concrete resolution announced as of the latest reports.
Reporting attribution: based on reporting by Al Jazeera — All News — original source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/9/29/thousands-of-drivers-strike-in-the-philippines-over-rising-fuel-prices?traffic_source=rss.