PISTON-Cebu protests vs. fuel hikes, jeepney phaseout

CEBU, Philippines —  PISTON Cebu staged a protest last Monday against rising fuel prices, insufficient government assistance, and the continued threat of jeepney phaseout, calling on drivers and operators to join picket demonstrations at a gasoline station and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board office in Cebu City.

In a statement released on May 12, the group said transport workers remain dissatisfied despite recent fuel price rollbacks, arguing that diesel and gasoline prices continue to fluctuate sharply.

“Wala pa matapos ang away. Wa ta makontento sa usbaw-us-us nga estilo aron ipakita nga mius-os ang presyo sa lana,” said PISTON president Greg Perez.

Perez said oil price movements only create the impression of relief while transport workers continue to suffer from high operating costs.

The group accused oil companies and the government of profiting from high fuel prices while ordinary motorists and public utility drivers struggle economically.

PISTON Cebu cited the earnings of Petron Corp., claiming the company posted a net income of ?8.5 billion in 2024 and ?15.6 billion in 2025.

The group also referenced estimates from IBON Foundation projecting that oil companies in the Philippines could earn a combined ?46.5 billion in profits in March 2026, or about ?1.5 billion daily.

At the same time, PISTON Cebu said the government continues to collect billions of pesos in taxes from petroleum products through value-added tax and excise taxes.

Perez also criticized what he described as the government’s failure to provide sufficient assistance to drivers affected by high fuel costs.

“Daghan sa mga drayber ang wala gihapon makadawat sa fuel subsidy. Ug sa mga nakadawat, wala pay ?5,000 ang ilang nadawat,” he said.

The transport group likewise raised concerns over the continued implementation of the government’s public transport modernization and jeepney phaseout program.

According to PISTON Cebu, buses and minibuses operated by Ceres Transport have started entering traditional jeepney routes through provisional authorities allegedly issued by the LTFRB.

The group also criticized the planned implementation of the Local Public Transport Route Plan in Cebu City, which is aligned with the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit Project.

PISTON Cebu said the proposed rerouting plan would reduce the number of jeepney routes and units operating in the city, affecting the livelihood of drivers and operators.

The group reiterated its calls to remove VAT and excise taxes on oil, repeal the Oil Deregulation Law, scrap the jeepney phaseout program, increase wages, and lower prices of basic goods. — (FREEMAN)