A nationwide transport strike has disrupted 60-70% of public transportation routes in Cebu, Philippines, as drivers protest soaring fuel costs linked to Middle East conflicts.
Cebu’s public transportation system has been largely immobilized as approximately 60% to 70% of its routes were paralyzed due to a nationwide transport strike. The strike is a response to escalating fuel prices caused by ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. Transport group PISTON reported that some terminals in Cebu had no jeepneys parked, reflecting the scope of the disruption. Protests were held at multiple locations including Cebu City, Mandaue, and Lapu-Lapu, with demands for a rollback of fuel prices, removal of the excise tax, and approval of fare hikes. PISTON criticized the Philippine National Police for dispersing their protests, asserting the actions were peaceful. Meanwhile, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) in Region 11 noted normal public transport operations in Davao amidst the strike but continues to monitor the situation. Some private schools shifted to online classes preemptively. Jeepney drivers interviewed expressed financial strain due to fuel costs, with daily earnings falling from approximately PHP 1,000 to PHP 200-300. Although some drivers continue to operate out of necessity, they uniformly call for reductions in fuel prices to alleviate hardships on drivers and commuters alike. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. recently suspended the implementation of planned fare hikes, citing the need to protect commuters, workers, and students. The Philippine National Police deployed approximately 50,000 personnel nationwide to ensure order during the protests, and over 1,300 police vehicles assisted stranded commuters.
Sources referenced:
- https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/regions/980664/cebu-public-transport-paralyzed-by-strike-says-group/story/
