We are being choked: Philippines transport workers strike over rising fuel costs

Thousands of transport workers across the Philippines have launched a nationwide strike to protest sharply rising fuel prices that have eroded their incomes and disrupted commuter services. Drivers of jeepneys, buses, and motorcycle taxis took to the streets on Thursday, bringing many routes to a halt in Metro Manila and other regions, including Cebu and Iloilo.

The strike, organized by the Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON) and allied groups, comes after diesel and petrol prices surged to record levels, more than doubling in recent weeks amid global supply disruptions. The drivers say the escalating costs have made daily operations unprofitable and have pushed many families to financial stress.

“Drivers and their families are feeling the crisis in their growling stomachs,” PISTON said in a statement, adding that commuters are also suffering from the lack of available public transport. The union is demanding immediate government measures, including the removal of value-added and excise taxes on petroleum products, a rollback of prices to earlier levels, and fare adjustments that reflect higher operating costs.

The strike coincides with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s declaration of a national energy emergency, citing the impact of geopolitical tensions on global oil supplies and the Philippines’ heavy reliance on imported fuel. The emergency powers allow the government to coordinate fuel and essential goods distribution and act against hoarding and price manipulation.

Transport unions, however, criticised the declaration as a superficial response that fails to address the underlying problems. They are calling for tax relief, stronger price controls, and structural reforms to ensure long-term affordability for drivers and commuters alike.

With fuel costs continuing to strain household budgets and business operations, the strike highlights growing public frustration and adds pressure on the government to find more effective solutions to the energy crisis affecting millions of Filipinos.