Members of Piston-Cebu organized a protest rally in front of the Department of Energy office in Cebu City on March 18, 2026, voicing strong opposition to the National Government's sudden cancellation of an approved fare increase. This decision comes as global fuel prices continue to escalate, driven by ongoing tensions in the Middle East, placing immense financial pressure on local transport operators.
Inadequate Fare Adjustment Withdrawn
Greg Perez, president of Piston-Cebu, expressed deep disappointment in an interview with SunStar Cebu on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. He highlighted that the P1 fare hike, which would have raised the minimum traditional jeepney fare from P13 to P14, was already deemed insufficient to cover rising operational costs. Its abrupt withdrawal, ordered by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and originally set for implementation on Thursday, March 19, removes a critical financial buffer for drivers struggling with skyrocketing expenses.
Perez argued that the administration lacks a comprehensive strategy to assist the transportation sector in recovering its costs. While acknowledging the government's intent to protect commuters from higher fares, he emphasized that current pricing fails to reflect the harsh realities of maintaining traditional jeepneys amid economic challenges.
Financial Strain on Drivers
The financial impact on drivers has been severe. Perez shared that his daily diesel budget has doubled from P1,000 to P2,000 for the same route, drastically reducing his take-home pay from P1,000 to as low as P300. This unsustainable situation has forced some Piston-Cebu members to cease operations entirely, exacerbating the crisis within the transport community.
In response, Piston has petitioned the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) for a P5 fare increase, which they assert more accurately mirrors current overhead costs. Perez noted that even a modest hike could provide some relief, stating in Cebuano, "Bisan og gamay kay naa unta matapal-tapal sa krudo nga nimahal na" (Even if it's small, it could still help a bit with the already expensive fuel).
Criticism of Fuel Subsidy Program
Perez also criticized the government's fuel subsidy program, labeling it inefficient and biased toward large cooperatives. He revealed that in previous distributions, only 200 Piston-Cebu members received aid due to bureaucratic obstacles, leaving many individual drivers without support. He urged the administration to reform the system to ensure subsidies reach drivers directly, rather than being funneled through intermediaries.
Nationwide Transport Strike Planned
As a result of these grievances, Piston-Cebu confirmed its participation in a nationwide transport strike scheduled for Thursday, March 19. The strike aims to protest the government's handling of the sector and demand more effective solutions. Commuters are warned to anticipate potential service disruptions as drivers join the protest instead of operating their routes, highlighting the growing unrest within the transportation industry.
This protest underscores the urgent need for balanced policies that address both driver livelihoods and commuter affordability, especially in the face of volatile global fuel markets.
