A progressive group and several jeepney drivers in Davao City joined a nationwide transport strike on Friday, March 27, 2026, to protest the rising prices of petroleum products.

Protesters carried placards expressing their discontent with the sharp increases in fuel prices and called for the removal of the Value Added Tax (VAT) and excise taxes, as well as the repeal of the Oil Deregulation Law.

They also demanded a rollback of fuel prices.

“Tong last time gisuspend ni PBBM ang pagtaas sa pamasahe pero band aid solution gihapon kita commuters di ta maapektuhan pero sa jeepney drivers lisod kay kini ra ang way nga sila makakita ilang panginabuhian,” Youth Advocates for Pro-People Transport Davao City Spokesperson, Jay Lozano, said.

However, police officers dispersed the protesters from the roadside of Matina Crossing, saying holding protests in the area is not allowed.

Some drivers at Matina Pangi reportedly stopped operating temporarily as part of the protest, saying the cost of fuel has made it impossible to earn enough to support their families.

They added that earnings are reduced by boundary fees and unit payments, leaving them struggling to make ends meet.

“Nagtigil pasada kami kasi di na makaya ang taas gasolina ngayon. Panawagan namin itaas niya (PBBM) ang pamasahe kahit piso lang yong hinihingi okay na sa amin yon,” jeepney driver, Gideon Reambonanza, said.

Drivers also expressed frustration that fuel subsidies have yet to reach them, even though they have already spent money to secure the requirements.

“Tapos yong ayuda pa sabi nila i-release na ang ayuda wala pa man ayuda na binigay kami pa ang nakwartahan sa ayuda kay nagpa-notaryo pa kami 300 yong per head namin sa association lang namin onse mil na ang nagastos namin,” Reambonanza added.