This time, several groups opt not to join: PUV strike hits Cebu

CEBU, Philippines — Transport group PISTON-Cebu is set to stage a transport strike on today (March 27), from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m., as drivers take to the streets anew to protest rising fuel prices, while calling for the scrapping of the oil deregulation law, and pushing for an increase in jeepney fares.

The strike will be led by PISTON-Cebu President Greg Perez is leading the strike, reiterating the group’s long-standing demands for fare hikes and fuel price rollbacks, which they say would unburden drivers and operators.

Perez said many drivers are struggling daily, making it increasingly difficult to keep their units operating, while earnings are no longer sufficient to support their families amid the continued rise in fuel costs.

The activity is expected to draw support from allied organizations and various sectors, with speeches from representatives of PISTON-Cebu, Urban 4, Bayan Muna, party-list groups, other sectors, and the youth.

However, several transport groups have opted not to join the strike. Taxi operators, bus operators, and modernized jeepney operators confirmed they will not participate in the protest action.

Richard Cabucos, president of the United Cebu Taxi Operators Association, said their group is not considering joining the strike at this time.

Julieto Flores, chairman of the Cebu Provincial Operators Transport Cooperative, also declined participation, saying they would instead entrust their concerns to the government.

“Dili mi moapil kay naa nama’y programa ang gobyerno para sa transportation groups. Amoa ra ning itugyan sa gobyerno among kahimtang,” Flores said.

Ellen Maghanoy, president of the Cebu Federation of Transport Cooperatives, likewise said that no modernized jeepney operators under their group would join the strike.

The Visayas chapter of the National Confederation of Transportworkers' Union (NCTU) also announced it will not participate in the PISTON-Cebu-led protest. “For now, we will not join,” said NCTU-Visayas coordinator Angie Mata.

The NCTU-Visayas is composed of various transport groups, including drivers of both modern and traditional jeepneys. Despite opting out, Mata said the group will continue to monitor developments.

LTFRB7 reminder: no fare hike approved

Amid concerns over possible fare increases, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board in Central Visayas (LTFRB-7) clarified that no fare hike has been approved.

“The implementation for a fare increase has been suspended by the President. Instead, the government is providing fuel subsidies and other assistance to help operators and drivers cope with rising oil prices,” said LTFRB-7 Regional Director Abusamen Matuan. “As of today, there is no official fare matrix authorizing any increase in fares,” he stressed.

The agency warned drivers and operators against imposing unauthorized fare hikes. “If there are operators or drivers who have posted their own fare matrix, that is not legitimate. It did not come from our office. The official fare matrix is issued only by the LTFRB,” Matuan added.

The Department of Energy (DOE) has ordered power sector stakeholders to implement fuel conservation and prioritization measures following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s declaration of a state of national energy emergency under Executive Order No. 110.

Signed by Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin on March 25, 2026, the directive aims to protect the country’s electricity supply and cushion the impact of rising global fuel prices.

It covers generation companies, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, the Independent Electricity Market Operators of the Philippines (IEMOP), distribution utilities, electric cooperatives, and other Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) participants.

Initial simulations by IEMOP indicate that WESM prices could exceed P9 per kilowatt-hour, up from the pre-conflict average of P5 per kilowatt-hour or lower, as global fuel prices continue to surge due to the Middle East conflict.

The DOE has called for the full utilization of renewable energy, indigenous sources, and coal, which could reduce electricity price increases by up to P2 per kilowatt-hour. It also directed generation companies to maintain at least a 15-day fuel inventory and report any potential supply risks.

“As a net importer of oil, coal, and liquefied natural gas (LNG), we are acting with heightened discipline to preserve power system reliability in the face of escalating global fuel market volatility,” Garin said. “This is a decisive intervention to protect the grid, manage fuel use responsibly, and ensure that essential electricity services remain uninterrupted.”

For off-grid areas, the DOE urged utilities to maximize available generation, secure fuel supply, and implement demand-side management measures to mitigate vulnerabilities to global disruptions.

The measures form part of the government’s broader response under Executive Order No. 110 to ensure the stability, adequacy, and affordability of the country’s energy supply.

During the second hearing of the Senate’s PROTECT Ad Hoc Committee yesterday (March 26), Senator Win Gatchalian underscored the urgency of a unified national response to the crisis.

“In the first hearing, we asked whether the nation was prepared for a crisis of this scale. What is clear is this: Many efforts are underway, but these are not yet consolidated under a unified, coordinated national contingency plan,” Gatchalian said.

He warned of severe economic consequences if fuel prices continue to rise, including a potential drop in GDP growth to as low as 3.5 to 4 percent and inflation reaching up to 8.6 percent if oil prices hit $200 per barrel.

“Inaasahan tayo ng ating mga kababayan. Huwag natin silang biguin,” the senator said, emphasizing the need for immediate and coordinated action across all sectors.

Despite strikes: PUJS fill cebu city streets

Even as transport groups across the country launched another round of nationwide strike to protest soaring fuel prices, Cebu City’s streets were busier with public utility jeepneys (PUJs) yesterday, especially the traditional ones.

Data from the Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) showed that between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m., more jeepneys were on the road compared to March 25.

At Colon/Osmeña Boulevard, traditional jeepneys rose from 344 units on March 25 to 457 yesterday, while modern jeepneys dropped from 1,313 to 1,052.

Along Gen. Maxilom/Gorordo, traditional jeepneys increased from 1,490 to 1,662, though modern units fell from 856 to 776.

At Pope John Paul II/F. Cabahug Street, both traditional and modern jeepneys recorded higher numbers, with traditional units climbing from 3,050 to 3,700 and modern units from 1,202 to 1,368.

Initial figures suggest that many Cebu drivers chose to continue operating despite the strike call.

The strike, organized by transport groups including PISTON, Manibela, and allied drivers’ associations, is set for March 26–27.

Their demands: a rollback in fuel prices and government action against what they describe as crippling oil price hikes.

The Department of Energy has confirmed that diesel could reach ?134.30 per liter and kerosene ?165.79, sparking widespread concern among transport workers.

In Cebu, PISTON held a press conference ahead of the strike, calling for urgent relief measures. “I-rollback ang presyo sa lana ug krudo,” the group declared, warning that, without intervention, drivers and small operators will struggle to survive.

The strike has drawn international attention. The U.S. Embassy in Manila, for one, had issued a demonstration alert to its citizens, warning of significant disruptions nationwide, protest activity, heavy police presence, and traffic congestion, particularly in Metro Manila and near the Embassy.

The advisory urged U.S. citizens to avoid protest areas, allow extra travel time, and plan alternative transportation.

Despite the strike’s nationwide scope, Cebu’s streets yesterday continued to show resilience, with more jeepneys operating than the day before. Still, commuters are advised to remain cautious as protest actions and transport disruptions are expected to continue today.

For its free rides: mandaue to rent evs

The Mandaue city government is in the process of renting electric vehicles (EV) for its ‘Libreng Sakay’ program as fuel prices continue to increase, providing relief to commuters affected by the transportation crisis.

The free ride program is set to begin on Monday, March 30, as part of the city’s response to rising petroleum prices.

Mayor Thadeo “Jonkie” Ouano said the city will be primarily renting at least four EV units for one month. “Karon, tungod sa panghitabo nga taas man kaayo’ng (presyo sa) gasolina, mo-rent ‘ta og EV na lang,” said Ouano, noting that arrangements are still being processed.

Once settled, the EVs are expected to arrive next month, and the rental agreement may be renewed on a monthly basis until fuel conditions stabilize.

While arrangements for the EVs are still under discussion, the initial rollout of the program on Monday will use buses borrowed from the barangays of the city.

To date, the city has secured commitments from barangays Banilad, Canduman, Ibabao-Estancia, Maguikay, Basak, Pagsabungan, and Tabuk to temporarily lend their buses, which will be returned once the EVs arrive.

In addition to the current routes, Ouano said the Libreng Sakay program will be expanded with three more, for a total of six routes.

The new routes will traverse from A. Del Rosario Street to Maguikay and back; from KFC Maguikay to Savemore Canduman; and from Savemore Canduman to the Mandaue City School for the Arts.

The buses will operate from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., and from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., covering peak commuting hours.

Ouano added that the city will also shoulder the salaries of the bus drivers and conductors assigned to maintain order and manage passengers during trips.

“Ang ato lang maka-provide lang ‘ta og gamay’ng alibyo sa ato’ng mga residente,” he said, stressing the city’s efforts to ease the impacts of rising fuel costs. (CEBU NEWS)