Various transport groups led by Samahang Manibela, Mananakay at Nagkaisang Terminal ng Transportasyon (MANIBELA), kicked off their three-day transport strike on September 28, in protest of the rising fuel prices. The strike will run until September 30, with Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON) set to hold its own nationwide protest on September 29 and 30.
“Para sa MANIBELA, hindi na kayang saluhin ng mga tsuper at operator ang patuloy na pagtaas ng presyo ng krudo. Sa bawat pagtaas ng diesel, tumataas ang gastos sa pasada habang lumiit ang naiuuwing kita para sa pamilya,” the group’s advisory read.
The transport groups also called for lower fuel prices, fare adjustments, and the removal of excise and value-added tax (VAT) on petroleum products. As part of their protest, some jeepney drivers, along with their families, shared meager meals of tuyo and kamatis in public to highlight the financial strain faced by the sector amid the rising costs.
“Mga driver, tuyo at kamatis ang kanilang kinakain. Isang kain na lang halos ang nagagawa ng ating mga tsuper dahil sa maliit na kinikita ng mga driver,” says PISTON.
A day before the scheduled strike, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) warned of possible sanctions the drivers could face should the continued suspension of operations violate franchise regulations.
According to the LTFRB Acting Chairperson Greg Pua Jr., it is deemed an abandonment of franchise if fewer than 60 percent are operational during the protest period. A first offense carries a P5,000 fine; a second constitutes a suspension of franchise, while the third may lead to the franchise’s total cancellation.
NEW FARE GUIDE FOR COMMUTERS
Coinciding with the transport strike is the recently approved fare price hike by the LTFRB effective September 28. It applies to all traditional and modern jeepneys, buses, taxis, UV express taxis, and transportation network vehicle services (TNVS).
For the first four kilometers, the minimum fare for ordinary jeepneys will increase from P13 to P14. Every succeeding kilometer will be charged at P2. Modern jeepneys, meanwhile, rose from P15 to P17, with succeeding kilometers at P2.40.
For ordinary city buses, the first five kilometers now cost P15, with each succeeding kilometer costing P2.49. Air-conditioned city buses charge P18 for the first five kilometers, with succeeding kilometers at P2.98.
Provincial bus fares now start at P12 for the first five kilometers, with succeeding kilometer rates varying by bus type. Ordinary provincial buses charge P2.20 per succeeding kilometer, while air-conditioned, deluxe, super deluxe, and luxury buses charge P2.45, P2.60, P2.70, and P3.35, respectively. TNVS have also increased by P20 from their previous fares. Sedan fares now start at P65, AUV/SUV at P75, Hatchback at P55, and Premium at P165.
Several local government units, as well as the LTFRB, have offered free rides to commuters affected by the transport strike in the National Capital Region (NCR). The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has also deployed vehicles to provide free rides on Monday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on the following routes: Quiapo to Fairview, Quiapo to Welcome Rotonda, Nagtahan to Cubao, Cubao to Fairview, and Gallertia to Taytay.
On September 25, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued the renewed suspension of excise taxes on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and kerosene. This comes after the Department of Energy (DOE) certified that the average price of Dubai crude oil reached $99.41 per barrel, well above the $80 threshold set under the Republic Act 12316. The tax suspension will reportedly last for up to three months, but it can end earlier if oil prices fall below the threshold per barrel.
(UPDATE: September 28, 2026, 6:00 pm: MANIBELA has called off the second and third days of its scheduled transport strike after a discussion with Land Transportation Office (LTO) Chief Markus Lacanilao, but said protests will still push through. PISTON’S two-day strike will also proceed.)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
MANIBELA began a three-day transport strike on September 28 that runs until September 30, protesting rising fuel prices. PISTON is holding its own nationwide protest on September 29 and 30. Both groups are calling for lower fuel prices, fare adjustments, and removal of excise tax and VAT on petroleum.
The LTFRB raised the minimum fare for ordinary jeepneys from P13 to P14 for the first four kilometers, effective September 28, with each succeeding kilometer charged at P2. Modern jeepneys now charge P17 minimum, with P2.40 for every succeeding kilometer.
Under LTFRB rules, operating fewer than 60 percent of units during a protest counts as franchise abandonment. A first offense carries a P5,000 fine, a second results in franchise suspension, and a third offense may lead to total cancellation of the franchise, according to Acting Chairperson Greg Pua Jr.
Yes. Several local government units and the LTFRB are offering free rides in the NCR, and the DOTr deployed vehicles Monday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on five routes, including Quiapo to Fairview, Nagtahan to Cubao, Cubao to Fairview, and Quiapo to Welcome Rotonda.
Ordinary city buses now charge P15 for the first five kilometers plus P2.49 per succeeding kilometer; air-conditioned city buses charge a minimum of P18. TNVS fares rose by P20, with sedans starting at P65, AUV/SUV at P75, hatchbacks at P55, and premium at P165.
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