Transport strikes disrupt travel in regions amid protests
DAGUPAN CITY—Transport protests opposing rising fuel prices and calling for government aid and fare adjustments disrupted operations in parts of Luzon and the Visayas on Monday, while some areas reported normal transport activity.
In Pangasinan, some drivers joined the strike despite no official transport holiday declaration from Auto Pro Pangasinan.
At least 50 percent of public utility vehicles (PUVs) did not ply their routes, with only about 20 percent of jeepneys operating along the Calasiao-Dagupan route, according to Auto Pro president Bernard Tuliao.
He said participation was voluntary, with drivers joining in solidarity with protesting groups.
In Pampanga, transport federations aligned with United Transport 86% Consolidated Entities Nationwide halted traffic along major roads and highways starting at 6 a.m.
Drivers said they need urgent government support as fuel costs continue to rise.
“Jeepneys and tricycles charge the lowest fare, so to keep operations going, the government needs to help us adjust to the high cost of fuel. We are barely making any profit,” said Central Luzon transport leader Danilo Yumul.
Local governments across Pampanga deployed trucks and buses to assist stranded commuters.
Class suspension
In Iloilo City, the strike disrupted commuting, prompting the suspension of in-person classes under an executive order issued by Mayor Raisa Treñas.
Despite the protest, some jeepneys and other PUVs continued to operate, with passengers still able to board rides at key terminals.
In a statement, Treñas said the city is studying additional assistance for drivers as fuel costs continue to cut into earnings, warning that prolonged price increases could force more operators off the road.
Transport groups in the city have renewed calls for fare increases, while the local government urged energy-saving measures and coordinated responses to address the crisis.
In Bacolod City, transport groups staged a strike demanding fair distribution of government subsidies and measures to bring down fuel prices.
Police heightened security, deployed checkpoints and prepared free rides for affected commuters.
Protesters also raised concerns over incomplete subsidy coverage, noting that not all listed drivers were approved for assistance.
Warning
In Eastern Visayas, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board reiterated that no fare increase has been authorized despite rising fuel prices, warning operators against overcharging.
Officials in the region said cash subsidies remain the government’s primary response.
In Cotabato City, public transport was paralyzed after drivers and operators joined the nationwide transport holiday, prompting police to deploy vehicles to help stranded commuters.
Transport groups said they joined the strike to demand fare increases due to rising fuel prices, arguing that current income and temporary subsidies are not enough to sustain their livelihoods.
Meanwhile, in Valencia City, Bukidnon, transport operations continued as usual despite the nationwide strike.
Drivers in the city maintained regular fares, citing concern for commuters also affected by rising costs, while buses, jeepneys and other vehicles continued to operate normally.
Local driver Winnie Amarillo, 52, a habal-habal (motorcycle taxi) operator, said he has kept his minimum fare at P30 per passenger, noting that any increase could prompt complaints from commuters.
He added that his livelihood depends on his daily earnings from driving.
Habal-habal, a common mode of transport in Valencia and nearby areas, remains essential, particularly in remote barangays. —REPORTS FROM YOLANDA SOTELO, TONETTE T. OREJAS, IAN PAUL CORDERO, HAZEL P. VILLA, JOEY A. GABIETA, CARLA P. GOMEZ, EDWIN O. FERNANDEZ AND MEL N. VELEZ
