Transport Strike Over Fuel Prices (Sept. 28-30) and Jeepney Fare Raised to 14 Pesos — Diesel Price Dropped by 7.57 Pesos on the 29th

📌 From September 28 to 30, transport groups Manibela and PISTON held strikes protesting soaring fuel prices, causing disruptions to commutes in Metro Manila.
Starting on the same day, September 28, jeepney and bus fares increased, and classes in Albay province and some universities in Manila were suspended. Diesel prices, which had risen for three consecutive weeks, dropped by 7.57 pesos per liter on the 29th.

■ What Happened
· September 28 (Monday): Manibela began a three-day strike. However, following a request from transport authorities regarding heavy passenger inconvenience, they called off the strike starting on the 29th.
· September 29-30 (Tuesday-Wednesday): PISTON held a nationwide strike. On the 30th, they marched from Welcome Rotonda in Quezon City to Mendiola in front of Malacañang Palace, demanding the abolition of oil taxes (VAT and excise tax) and the Oil Deregulation Law. No arrests were reported.
· PISTON hinted at the possibility of further strikes, stating, "This two-day strike is preparation for our next action."

■ What Changes — Public Transport Fares (Effective September 28)
· Traditional Jeepney: First 4 km increased from 13 to 14 pesos, with an additional 2 pesos per subsequent km
· Modern Jeepney: First 4 km 17 pesos, with an additional 2.40 pesos per subsequent km
· City Bus: Regular 15 pesos, Air-conditioned 18 pesos (for the first 5 km)
· The Department of Transportation approved the fare hike, which had been put on hold in March due to fuel price increases driven by the Iran war. Taxi fare hike proposals are still under review.

■ Fuel Price Trends
· Increased for 3 consecutive weeks in September: Cumulative increases reached 18.31 pesos per liter for diesel and 15.25 pesos for gasoline, temporarily exceeding 100 pesos per liter.
· Price cut effective 6:00 AM on September 29 (Tuesday): Diesel down by 7.57 pesos, kerosene down by 5.85 pesos, gasoline down by 0.24 pesos (effective until October 5). This was driven by a temporary decline in international oil prices following the partial resumption of Saudi crude oil exports.

■ Impact
· Albay Province: In-person classes for all grade levels in public and private schools were suspended on September 29-30.
· Universities in Manila, Makati, and other areas (such as FEU, Adamson, and PNU Manila) shifted to online classes.

■ Tips for Expats and Travelers
· If a strike is announced, arrange alternative transportation in advance, such as Grab, MRT, or LRT, instead of jeepneys. PISTON has warned of potential additional strikes.
· If your children attend local schools, check for school or local government unit (LGU) suspension announcements the night before a strike day.
· Fuel prices change every Tuesday. If you drive, it helps to check the adjustment announcements made on Mondays to decide when to refuel.

■ Sources
GMA News (Sept. 27 & 29), BusinessWorld (Sept. 28), Manila Times (Sept. 28), Philstar (Sept. 28), Daily Tribune (Sept. 27 & 30), Inquirer (Sept. 30)

■ Photos
· PISTON strike participants marching with banners reading "Lower fuel prices, abolish VAT and excise taxes" on September 30 (Daily Tribune)
· Strike protest by Manibela drivers (Manila Times)
· A gas station in Manila with a "Price Rollback" sign posted (Philstar)