Jeepney driver appeals for additional help, but offers free rides to those in need

A jeepney driver in Zambales asked his passengers for additional fare if they are able, but at the same time offered free rides to those in need.

"Mga Ate/Kuya, Ma'm/Sir, May ipapakisuyo po sana ako sa inyo baka pwede pong magpadagdag sa inyo ng pamasahe, Kahit magkano lang po yung bukal po sa loob nyo," the driver said in a sign posted inside his jeepney, as shared by YouScooper Renz Salonga.

(Dear Sister/Brother, Ma'm/Sir, I have a favor to ask of you. If it is possible, please give an additional fare. Any amount would do, as long as it is from your heart.)

The rising cost of fuel, particularly diesel, has made it difficult for him and other jeepney drivers, he said.

"Kasi po hindi na naming kaya yung laki ng diesel namin at halos barya na lang naiuuwi sa kada byahe (It's because we can not bear the hefty increase in the price of diesel and we get to bring home only small change per trip)," the driver explained.

"Sa panahon po ng krisis ngayon, walang ibang magtutulungan kundi tayo, tayo lang (In this time of crisis, there is no one who can help us but just us alone)," he said.

The driver however promised to help those in need, saying he can give free rides to those who ask.

"At ganoon din po ako sa inyo, if ever na kulang pamasahe nyo or wala kayong pamasahe, magsabi lang po kayo sa akin isasakay ko po kayo. Maraming salamat po sa pang unawa niyo," he said.

(And likewise, I can help. If ever you don't have enough money for fare, or do not have money at all, just tell me and I will let you ride for free. Thank you very much for your understanding.)

Salonga, who boarded the said jeepney at President Ramon Magsaysay State University to go home, said the jeepney driver's appeal opened his eyes to the reality that public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers are undergoing hardship amid the continued rise in the prices of fuel products as a result of the tension in the Middle East.

"This post was never meant to blame anyone, gusto ko lang magbigay ng awareness and hopefully inspire kindness and willingness to help, kahit sa simpleng paraan," Salonga said. 

(I just wanted to create awareness and hopefully inspire kindness and willingness to help, even in just a simple way.)

Diesel prices have been going up — double digit each week — since the US and Israel attacked Iran. 

Citing estimates based on Mean of Platts Singapore (MOPS) trading in the past four days, an oil industry source said the pump price of diesel may go up by P11 to P12 per liter.

This projection could bring up the per liter price of diesel to P118 to P146.3 per liter next week.

The Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev) has warned that the inflation rate could shoot up to double-digit levels with diesel prices seen rising by 176% under a “most severe scenario” if crude hits $200 per barrel amid the Middle East crisis.

Although the government has been giving fuel subsidy to PUV drivers, transport groups said drivers' take-home pay has become smaller due to the fuel price increases. —KG, GMA Integrated News