Several groups staged protests on Wednesday against the continued increase in petroleum prices, marking the fifth consecutive week of oil price hikes, according to a report by Rh Jecelle Ricafort.

The demonstrators, led by Anakpawis, gathered in Philcoa, Quezon City, condemning what they described as the administration’s lack of concrete action to address rising fuel costs.

Moreover, the protesters said the repeated price increases are taking a heavy toll on ordinary Filipinos, especially workers and small earners.

Anakpawis Party-list National Chairperson Ariel Casilao said the prolonged oil price hikes reflect what he called the government’s “criminal negligence” in protecting the public from soaring fuel prices.

He criticized the administration for allegedly favoring business interests' demands while disregarding the welfare and livelihoods of ordinary citizens.

The group further argued that the government has chosen to ignore what they described as simple and viable solutions, including their long-standing call to suspend the value-added tax (VAT) and excise taxes on petroleum products to ease the burden on consumers.

Meanwhile, the Department of Energy (DOE) assured the public that it is closely monitoring developments in the global oil market.

The agency said it is actively coordinating with other government bodies to ensure that fuel price adjustments remain fair, reasonable, and in accordance with existing laws.

Ilang grupo nagkilos-protesta vs ika-5 linggong oil price hike; DOE sinisigurong patas ang taas-presyo | RH 15 @JecelleRicafort, DZRH News pic.twitter.com/MEfMJt7bKK

— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) February 10, 2026