Fuel Prices Become Suffocating, Drivers Launch Mass Protest - Nearby Areas Paralysed

A three-day transport strike led by the Manibela group in the Philippines officially commenced on Monday (28/09/2026). This protest erupted alongside the implementation of higher fares for public utility vehicles (PUVs), amidst demands for the government to immediately address the surge in fuel prices.

According to Russia Today on Wednesday (30/09/2026), the Manibela group launched their protest from 28–30 September, featuring a convoy of Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS) and motorcycle taxi riders travelling from UP Avenue to Petron Philcoa in Quezon City.

They are firmly demanding a reduction in fuel prices, an increase in transport fares, the removal of excise taxes and Value Added Tax (VAT) on petroleum products, and a review of the Oil Deregulation Law. This recent protest follows a similar two-day strike held on 14 and 15 September.

The Chairman of Manibela, Mar Valbuena, revealed that consecutive increases in the price of diesel and other fuels have significantly raised operational costs and eroded the net income of both drivers and operators. These rising costs are also widely impacting PUV operators, TNVS, motorcycle taxis, and even truck drivers.

Furthermore, several port truck drivers, customs brokers, and importers are reportedly considering joining the strike due to high diesel prices affecting cargo transport operations.