A nationwide transport strike led by Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON) began early Thursday, March 19, as drivers and operators protested continued increases in fuel prices and called for urgent government intervention.
Members of PISTON, along with other sectoral groups, staged coordinated rallies across multiple strike centers nationwide to denounce what they described as “unrelenting” oil price hikes in recent weeks.
The groups are pushing for the immediate suspension of value-added tax (VAT) and excise tax on petroleum products, which they say could reduce diesel prices by as much as ₱20 per liter.
They are also calling for a ₱5 fare increase to help drivers cope with rising operating costs, as well as the long-term repeal of the Oil Deregulation Law, which they argue allows private oil companies to dictate prices. The groups further urged the government to consider nationalizing the oil industry.
The protest comes after President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. ordered the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to suspend a fare increase that was supposed to take effect on March 19.
Protesters had already gathered at the Bonifacio Monument in Caloocan, calling for fuel prices decrease, as reported by RH Edwin Duque.
Meanwhile more than 100 jeepney drivers in Baclaran joined the strike, staging a noise barrage along Roxas Boulevard service road while holding placards bearing their demands.
According to RH Jecelle Ricafort’s report, drivers said their daily diesel expenses have reached up to ₱3,600, leaving little to no income for their families. They said the strike aims to highlight the growing burden of fuel costs, which also contribute to rising prices of basic goods.
In Quezon City, members of PISTON and Bagong Alyansang Makabayan assembled at Welcome Rotonda as part of the nationwide action.
Separate protests were also held in Pasig, where PISTON-NCR criticized the government’s last-minute decision to suspend a planned fare hike, according to a report by RH Edniel Parrosa on DZRH's Dos Por Dos.
PISTON-NCR nagkilos-protesta sa Pasig City, inalmahan ang biglang-bawi ni PBBM sa taas-pasahe | RH 52 @ednielparrosa, DZRH News
— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) March 18, 2026
#DosPorDos
LIVE: https://t.co/DDDWqCsu66 pic.twitter.com/c6Eps53oNe
Multiple strike centers were set up across Metro Manila, including in Cubao, Litex, Anonas, Marikina, Tondo, Ermita, Alabang, Parañaque, and Caloocan.
In response to the transport disruption, several government agencies and local government units deployed free ride services for affected commuters.
Meanwhile, a number of universities in Metro Manila—including University of Santo Tomas, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Adamson University, and Ateneo de Manila University—suspended face-to-face classes or shifted to online learning in anticipation of transport disruptions.
The Philippine National Police deployed nearly 10,000 police officers across Metro Manila to ensure the peaceful conduct of the protests. According to National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Director Anthony Aberin, personnel were stationed in key areas to maintain security, manage traffic, and assist commuters affected by the strike.
