Davao Jeepney Drivers Rally for Fuel Relief Amid National Energy Emergency
Jeepney drivers from Matina Pangi staged a rally at Matina Crossing in Davao City on Friday, March 27, 2026, demanding immediate action to alleviate the burden of soaring fuel prices. The protesters called for a rollback in fuel costs and the removal of value-added tax, as diesel prices have surged beyond ₱100 per liter and gasoline continues to climb. This demonstration highlights the growing distress among transport workers as the global oil crisis worsens, driven by conflicts in the Middle East that disrupt supply chains and inflate prices.
Government Response: DOLE-Davao Rolls Out Assistance Program
In response to the escalating crisis, the Department of Labor and Employment–Davao Region has announced the implementation of the Tupad Tuloy Pasada assistance program. This initiative aims to provide support to drivers severely impacted by the relentless rise in fuel prices. Suzette Jane A. Antiveros, the regional employment programs focal person for DOLE-Davao, emphasized that the office is actively coordinating with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board to identify and validate qualified beneficiaries under this new scheme.
Antiveros detailed that DOLE will conduct thorough screenings to determine driver eligibility. Those who do not meet the criteria will be directed toward skills training and livelihood assistance programs as alternative support measures. She clarified that the beneficiary list is currently under validation, with ongoing coordination efforts to ensure accuracy and fairness in the selection process.
Program Details and Eligibility Requirements
The Tupad Tuloy Pasada program, part of the broader Tupad framework, offers beneficiaries the opportunity to work for 15 to 30 days while receiving wages based on the prevailing minimum rate. Antiveros explained, "Mamasada sila, they will be earning and at the same time naa silay madawat nga assistance from Dole (They will continue driving so they can earn, while also receiving assistance from Dole)." She made these remarks during the Kapehan sa Dabaw event held on Monday, April 20, 2026, at SM City Davao.
Drivers may avail themselves of this program only once, and once the LTFRB finalizes the list, applicants must submit all required documents to complete their enrollment. Antiveros also highlighted that the oil price surge affects not only drivers but other workers as well. She urged employers to report the number of affected employees by visiting the DOLE office or submitting reports online, enabling the agency to assess needs and allocate assistance more effectively.
Broader Impact and Ongoing Protests
The rally in Davao City is part of a larger wave of unrest, with transport groups previously staging strikes and protests in areas such as Buhangin, Bunawan, and Matina Crossing. These actions underscore the severe impact of rising petroleum prices, which drivers attribute to ongoing tensions in the Middle East. Protesters argue that higher fuel costs have significantly reduced their daily earnings, making it increasingly difficult to meet basic needs and sustain their livelihoods.
This situation has prompted President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to declare a national energy emergency, reflecting the widespread economic strain caused by the global oil crisis. As the government and local agencies work to implement relief measures, the calls for lower fuel prices and tax reforms continue to resonate among transport workers across the region.
