Up to 500 members of transport group PISTON will take part in a strike in Metro Cebu slated on Thursday and Friday, March 19 and 20, 2026.

The group is initiating the transport strike amid the increasing prices of fuel triggered by the tension in the Middle East.

Multi-sectoral groups are supporting the strike, including farmers, workers, and vendors associations.

According to Greg Perez, chairman of PISTON Cebu, the decision to strike was agreed upon by all members of the group. He said other groups whose members are struggling because of the fuel price hike are also welcome to participate.

“Kami sa PISTON Cebu, ginasiguro namo ang peace and order, peaceful nga pag-protesta, ug pag-strike sa atong member kanang adlawa,” Perez said.

Joel Binaro who has been driving a public utility jeepney for a long time said he might be forced to give up driving with the present conditions. He said what he earns in a day practically goes to fuel.

With driving his only means of livelihood, the challenge to provide for his family, especially his two children in college, has become bigger.

“Ang plano lang siguro ani, kung mutaas pa gyud ni, pahuway lang siguro, kay wala man gyud… uli nalang ta’g bukid… wala man gyud… naa unta’y gobyerno nga mupugong anang mga presyo, wala man sad mulihok,” he said.

Progressive groups in Panay will also participate in the nationwide transport strike.

“Ang ating panawagan, ibalik ang presyo sa P55 kasi old stock pa itong ginagamit natin. Kaso inutil ang gobyerno natin sa pagsagot diyan,” said Elmer Forro, convenor of the No To PUV Phaseout Coalition in Panay.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has approved an increase in fare - P1 for traditional PUJs and P2 for modernized PUJs.

The discount for senior citizens, persons with disability, and students will remain in place.

But PISTON described the increase an insult.

“Usa ka insulto sa atong mga drayber nga angayan naman gyud mosaka unta,” Perez said.

(With details from GMA Regional TV One Western Visayas)