Cebu Transport Groups Stage Mobilization, Demand Service Contracting Amid Fuel Crisis
On Monday, March 23, 2026, a coalition of transport organizations staged a significant joint mobilization in front of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Region 7 office in Cebu City. The demonstration, organized by Partidong Manggawa Sentro Cebu, the National Confederation of Transport Workers Union (NCTU), the National Federation of Transport Cooperatives (NFTC), and Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS) riders, highlighted urgent demands for systemic changes in the public transport sector.
Call for Sustainable Service Contracting Model
During a crucial meeting with LTFRB Region 7 Director Abosamen Matuan, transport leaders emphasized that the current boundary system has become unsustainable. They urged the government to accelerate the implementation of service contracting, describing it as the only viable path toward industry sustainability. Under this proposed model, the government would compensate operators based on either distance traveled or the number of trips completed, providing drivers with more stable income and reducing competitive pressures to cover escalating fuel expenses.
Immediate Relief Measures Demanded
In addition to advocating for long-term reforms, the groups presented several immediate demands to alleviate the financial burden on drivers facing rising costs. These urgent relief measures include:
- Faster Fuel Subsidies: The immediate release of financial aid to help drivers manage fuel costs.
- Lower Fuel Taxes: Support for proposals to suspend excise taxes on fuel to provide cost relief.
- Fare Adjustments: Addressing frustrations over delayed fare increase petitions, particularly for provincial bus routes.
Industry Exodus and Commuter Impact
Transport leaders warned of a troubling trend where drivers are abandoning the industry for delivery jobs that offer more predictable income. This exodus threatens to reduce the number of jeepneys and buses on Cebu's roads, potentially worsening transport access for commuters and creating significant mobility challenges across the region.
Government Response and Next Steps
Director Matuan committed to relaying the groups' concerns to the national office while urging continued dialogue instead of a transport strike. He emphasized the importance of submitting a final, verified list of qualified drivers by March 25, 2026, as this documentation is essential for releasing financial assistance. Matuan acknowledged the difficulties faced by bus operators amid stalled fare increase petitions and noted that fuel prices remain volatile due to global developments, particularly tensions in the Middle East whose resolution timeline remains uncertain.
