A coalition of transport groups, commuters, and workers will stage a two-day strike on Thursday and Friday to demand stronger government action on surging fuel prices. Around 500,000 public utility vehicle drivers are expected to join. The Philippine National Police will deploy 50,000 personnel and provide free rides nationwide.
MANILA, Philippines — A coalition including PISTON, Defend Jobs Philippines, Manibela, and Laban TNVS, part of the No to Oil Price Hike Coalition, announced a two-day transport strike for March 26 and 27, 2026. PISTON president Mody Floranda said at a press conference, “This is a larger mobilization because we have utility vehicle (UV) express, bus, transport network vehicle service (TNVS) and motorcycle taxi drivers joining us.” The groups demand removal of fuel taxes, rollback of oil prices to P55 per liter, repeal of the oil deregulation law, and simultaneous fare hikes with minimum wage increases. Manibela chairman Mar Valbuena stated, “We don’t want commuters to sacrifice or be inconvenienced. But you’re not listening to our grievances,” addressing the Marcos administration. Sandy Hachaso of the Bus Employees Association of the Philippines clarified the strike was not timed for Holy Week travels, saying, “We are all affected, even if it is not Holy Week. This was driven by negligence of the government and US aggression.” Around 5,000 TNVS units will turn off their apps, and thousands of ride-hailing drivers will stop bookings. The Philippine National Police will deploy 50,000 personnel and offer free rides nationwide for commuters and public safety.
