Transport, commuter groups to stage ‘People’s Strike’ over fuel costs

By Juliane Judilla

Transport and commuter groups announced on Tuesday, March 17, that they will stage a “People’s Strike” on March 19 and 20 in response to the nationwide call to protest the continued increase in oil prices and basic commodities.

The announcement was made during a press conference held earlier in the day, following a picket protest outside a Shell gasoline station in Jaro district, where demonstrators decried the implementation of a significant oil price hike.

The groups argued that ordinary citizens should not bear the full burden of rising costs, pointing out that workers’ wages have remained stagnant even as prices of goods and services continue to climb.

They stressed that consumers and the general public are increasingly struggling to cope with the ongoing economic crisis.

Fuel prices in the Philippines have risen sharply in recent weeks, driven by escalating tensions in the Middle East that have disrupted global oil supply chains. Gasoline prices have increased for nine consecutive weeks, while diesel and kerosene have risen for 11 straight weeks, with diesel reaching as high as PHP 84.75 per liter in some areas.

“Drivers are already going hungry because fuel prices have risen drastically. Our earnings are very minimal,” said Samuel Saban, a jeepney driver operating along the Bo. Obrero route.

Saban noted that while their jeepneys operate 24 hours, their income is no longer sufficient to cover daily expenses due to the surge in fuel prices.

He added that existing fuel subsidies are not guaranteed to reach all drivers in need.

Labor groups also expressed support for the planned strike.

Mario Andon of the United Labor Alliance Panay said the action reflects the need for unity among the public in addressing systemic issues.

“There is no problem that cannot be resolved when people come together,” Andon said, adding that oil price hikes trigger a “domino effect” that impacts all sectors.

“When fuel prices rise, the cost of goods follows. Yet workers’ wages remain unchanged amid this crisis,” he added.

Youth groups likewise backed the initiative.

Samantha Herbolario of Anakbayan Panay emphasized that the concerns of transport operators and drivers are shared by commuters and consumers.

“If there are no commuters, drivers will have no passengers. And if there are no drivers, commuters will have no means of transportation to get to work, school, and other destinations,” she said.

Herbolario also reiterated their call for government accountability and urged unity among the public in demanding adequate support.

Matthew Gonzaga of the National Union of Students of the Philippines-Panay called on local government units and school administrators to suspend classes and work during the two-day strike.

He urged authorities to treat the planned action not as a mere inconvenience but as a legitimate response to economic hardship.

Gonzaga argued that if suspensions were implemented during the ASEAN Summit to project “global readiness,” failing to do the same in the face of widespread financial difficulties would be unjust.

“If they can suspend operations for a summit, they must also suspend for the survival of the people,” Gonzaga said.

He underscored that rising oil prices affect not only transport workers but the broader public, highlighting the need for collective action, solidarity, and government accountability.

Transport strikes and protest actions have historically been a common form of public demonstration in the Philippines, with drivers and commuter groups staging walkouts and road blockades to pressure the government into addressing fuel price increases, fare adjustments, and broader economic grievances.

The People’s Strike will be held across four key locations in Iloilo City: Tagbak Terminal, Ungka ITGSI Terminal, Infante Flyover, and the Iloilo Provincial Capitol.

Transport coalitions in the provinces of Capiz and Aklan are also expected to conduct similar protest actions.