The Alliance of Concerned Transport Organization (ACTO) and other groups plan a transport holiday on March 23 to protest the surging costs of fuel affecting public utility vehicle operators.
The Alliance of Concerned Transport Organization (ACTO) has declared a nationwide transport holiday on Monday, March 23, 2026, in response to the sharply increasing prices of petroleum products. ACTO’s national president, Libay de Luna, stated that drivers and operators of public utility vehicles (PUVs) are finding it increasingly difficult to operate profitably due to the rising fuel costs, compelling them to stage the protest to draw attention to their plight. The group emphasized that the transport holiday will be peaceful and aims to send a clear message to President Marcos about the severe hardships faced by the sector.
ACTO, along with the Western Visayas Alliance of Transport Cooperatives and Corporations Inc., which will implement a similar transport holiday in Iloilo City, is seeking fuel subsidies and assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). They also requested government support for service contracts and a bank moratorium to ease payments related to modern jeepney units. Over 1,000 traditional and modern jeepney drivers and operators in Iloilo City are expected to participate in the transport holiday. As a result, classes at all educational levels in Iloilo City are suspended for the day, with the city government promising free rides for affected commuters.
In contrast, other major transport associations like the Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (FEJODAP) and the Liga ng Transportasyon at Operators sa Pilipinas (LTOP) have postponed their planned strike. Instead, they will engage in discussions with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) regarding possible fare adjustments and forthcoming financial aid distribution for jeepney, UV Express, and Transportation Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) drivers.
Industry sources estimate that diesel prices per liter could increase by P16.50 to P17.50, while gasoline might rise by P7.50 to P8.50 in the coming week. The Department of Energy had earlier announced adjusted price ranges for the week of March 17 to 23, indicating significant cost increases for diesel, gasoline, and kerosene.
This coordinated action by transport groups highlights the critical challenges faced by public transport operators amid escalating fuel prices, seeking government intervention to sustain their livelihoods and the broader transport sector.
Sources referenced:
- https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/980922/transport-holiday-actofuel-costs/story/
