Around 100 jeepney drivers halted operations along the Baclaran–Mabini and Harrison route on Monday as they held a protest calling for fuel and transport policy reforms.

In a report by RH Jecelle Ricafort, the drivers conducted a noise barrage along the Service Road of Roxas Boulevard while carrying placards to air their demands.

Among their calls are the removal of the excise tax on diesel, a rollback of diesel prices to ₱55 per liter, the scrapping of the Oil Deregulation Law, a ₱10 fare increase, and the implementation of a ₱1,200 family living wage.

PISTON–Pasay City Vice President Wilfredo Cano questioned the government’s response to the plight of drivers and riders who continue to struggle with rising fuel and living costs.

Cano said many drivers have reportedly suffered while lining up for government assistance, stressing that repeated delays in aid have worsened their situation.

“Ang dami na ring driver ang namamatay sa pagpila sa ayudang ‘yan,” he said.

“Ang sinasabi nila iisa-isahin, hanggang ngayon, tukod ang gobyerno. Ilang pamilya pa, ilang manggagawa pa, ilang mga tsuper pa ang mamamatay bago ibigay ang hinihingi ng bawat driver. Uubosin muna kaming driver, para matugunan ang pangangailangan namin,” he added.

He also described government assistance efforts as inadequate and too slow to respond to urgent needs.

The group criticized the government for what they described as a lack of consistent and meaningful support for the transport sector, saying assistance is only provided when problems become highly visible.

They further argued that the livelihoods of drivers are being severely affected by current policies and rising fuel prices, leaving many families struggling to meet basic needs.

The protesters said that if the government is serious about supporting the transport sector, it should demonstrate concrete action rather than policies they believe protect the interests of oil companies.