Public utility jeepney drivers in Davao City took to the streets on Friday, March 27, 2026, staging a rally at Matina Crossing to demand immediate relief from skyrocketing fuel costs. The protest, organized by drivers from the Matina Pangi route, called for a rollback in fuel prices and the removal of value-added tax on petroleum products, as diesel prices have surged past ₱100 per liter and gasoline continues to rise. This demonstration comes against the backdrop of a worsening global oil crisis, fueled by conflicts in the Middle East that have disrupted supply chains and driven prices higher, prompting President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to declare a national energy emergency.
Drivers Struggle with Plummeting Earnings
Junie Gallardo, a 51-year-old jeepney driver with three decades of experience on the Matina Pangi route, revealed that his daily take-home pay has dropped to a mere ₱100 to ₱200 over the past three weeks. This stark reduction is barely sufficient to support his wife and five children. In a media interview, Gallardo expressed frustration, stating, "We spend the whole day on the road, enduring the heat, but the government aid they promised—where is it now?" He highlighted that fuel expenses have more than doubled, soaring from around ₱700 to over ₱1,500 per day, forcing drivers to work extended hours from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. just to make ends meet.
Calls for Government Action and Subsidies
Gallardo urged the government to release fuel subsidies immediately, warning that many drivers are considering leaving the profession for construction work if conditions do not improve. Samuel Adlawon, a 67-year-old driver on the same route, echoed these concerns, noting his daily earnings have plummeted from ₱600-₱700 to just ₱200. Adlawon emphasized the inadequacy of the ₱5,000 fuel subsidy, which he said would only cover a few refills or basic necessities for a short period. He called for unity among drivers, saying, "We are united in calling on them to act because the hardship we endure every day is the same."
Transport Strike and Protests Across Davao
In solidarity, Kilusang Mayo Uno Southern Mindanao, along with drivers and commuters, organized a transport strike and simultaneous protests in key areas including Buhangin, Bunawan, and Matina Crossing. Approximately 80 protesters gathered across these locations, demanding the removal of VAT and excise taxes on fuel, a rollback of fuel prices to ₱55 per liter, fare increases across all transport modes, and a ₱1,200 family living wage. The drivers also advocated for greater government control over the oil industry to ensure affordability and voiced opposition to international conflicts involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, which they blame for exacerbating the crisis.
Police Intervention and School Closures
Police from the Talomo Police Station intervened at the Matina Crossing rally, requesting protesters to disperse due to a lack of permit. The group complied peacefully after being given five minutes to clear the area, with Lt. Allan Cajita directing them to hold future protests at Freedom Park along Roxas Avenue. Despite the strike, many jeepney drivers continued operating, citing the need to earn a living. In response to the unrest, several educational institutions, including the University of Mindanao and San Pedro College, suspended face-to-face classes and shifted to online learning to ensure student safety.
Fuel Price Projections and Government Response
Looking ahead, fuel prices are expected to rise further next week, with diesel projected to increase by ₱11 to ₱12 per liter and gasoline by about ₱3 per liter. The Department of Energy announced that the Philippines has received its first shipment of diesel under the government’s Emergency Energy Security Program, totaling 142,000 barrels for distribution to local retailers. However, the ongoing escalation of conflict in the Middle East continues to push global oil prices higher, adding immense pressure on transport workers and consumers alike, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to this deepening crisis.
