Metro Manila, Philippines – Ride-hailing drivers joined the second week of a nationwide transport strike in a snowballing movement of discontent over what they claimed as slow government aid while grappling with making ends meet as fuel gets expensive by the week.
They are part of a growing coalition of public utility drivers protesting the sharp rise in fuel prices driven by escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Gasoline and diesel prices more than doubled since the conflict between the US and Iran broke out on Feb. 28.
LOOK: Estimated range of pump prices in Metro Manila and highly urbanized for March 24-30
Rogie Delos Santos, transport network vehicle service (TNVS) operator and driver, said the fuel price has been crippling the business, forcing four of his drivers to stop working for failing to meet their remittance.
“Nakikiusap nga ako sa kanila na ‘wag nila akong iwan kahit sa pang monthly na lang ng sasakyan,” Delos Santos said.
[Translation: I’m asking them not to leave me, even just so we can keep paying the vehicle’s monthly amortization.]
While he acknowledged receiving government cash aid, Delos Santos said some of his drivers were left out of the list of beneficiaries.
He joined other transport groups in calling for the suspension of the excise and value-added taxes on fuel, and for a review of the oil deregulation law, instead of relying solely on financial assistance.
For others, joining the strike is a luxury.
Motorcycle taxi rider Noe Seracarpio chose to serve commuters to maximize his earnings and cover rising costs.
“Kailangan kumayod na lang, didiskarte na lang sa buhay. Kung sasali pa tayo dyan, wala naman din mangyayari. Buong mundo naman tumaas yung gasolina,” he said.
[Translation: We just have to keep working and find ways to earn. If we join the strike, nothing will happen anyway. Fuel prices have gone up worldwide.]
Meanwhile, drivers say small acts of kindness from passengers help ease the burden.
A jeepney driver from transport group Manibela recalled a commuter who voluntarily paid more than the minimum fare.
“Dapat na babayaran niya is P13. Ang binigay niya sa akin, P20, sabi ‘kuya, sana makatulong,’” he said.
[Translation: It should have been ₱13, but they gave ₱20 and said, “I hope this helps.”]
RELATED: Transport group claims strike paralyzed 90% of NCR major routes
Frustrations over government aid persist.
Manibela leader Mar Valbuena said many drivers on the Nagtahan–Pasig route failed to receive assistance despite repeated submissions and long hours of waiting.
“Nagsubmit kami apat na beses, ng listahan, pero walang nakakuha… wala daw sa listahan,” he said.
[Translation: We submitted our list four times, but no one received anything… we were told we weren’t on the list.]
For others, the lack of aid has worsened daily struggles.
“Ibibili ko sana ng bigas… wala akong nabili. Utang na naman. Hindi ko na alam gagawin ko,” one driver said.
[Translation: I was supposed to buy rice… but I wasn’t able to. I’m in debt again. I don’t know what to do anymore.]
Regulators have approved a ₱1 fare increase that was suspended by President Bongbong Marcos.
Valbuena appealed to the president and the public for understanding.
“Libo ang nawawala sa amin hindi limos, hindi katiting na barya,” he said, adding, “Sana mag-share naman tayo ng responsibilidad. Laging kami ang sumasalo ng bigat.”
[Translation: We’re losing thousands, not small change. I hope we all share the responsibility… it’s always us who carry the burden.]
