Jeepney group: Halt fuel tax or raise fare by P2
The transport group Manibela is calling on the government to either suspend the excise tax on fuel or approve a P2 increase in the minimum jeepney fare. Jeepney drivers are struggling as rising oil prices have halved their take-home pay, a situation exacerbated by global conflicts impacting fuel supply. President Marcos concurrently stated the Philippines is actively seeking new, non-traditional sources of fuel imports to mitigate these impacts.
The transport group Manibela, led by chairman Mar Valbuena, has issued an ultimatum to the Philippine government in March 2026, demanding either the suspension of excise taxes on fuel or approval of a P2 increase in minimum jeepney fare. This comes amid surging global oil prices exacerbated by Middle East tensions, with crude oil exceeding $90-$100 per barrel. Jeepney drivers report losing P300-P500 daily from their take-home pay, which has been halved to only P400 after 12-15 hours on the road, forcing some to limit trips or operate only during peak hours.
Manibela's demands include immediate suspension of fuel excise taxes, provision of fuel subsidies, a P1 provisional fare increase (with P2 as the maximum request), and an investigation into oil companies. The group has described fare hikes as a "last resort" if tax relief and government assistance fail to materialize. Concurrently, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has stated the Philippines is actively seeking new, non-traditional sources of fuel imports to mitigate impacts.
Legislatively, the House Ways and Means Committee approved a bill on March 10, 2026, granting the President emergency powers to suspend or reduce excise taxes if crude oil exceeds $80 per barrel or during a national emergency. The bill passed second reading on March 11. Meanwhile, the Senate panel chaired by Senator Pia Cayetano is finalizing its version with flexible triggers, duration, and safeguards including Department of Energy oversight. However, the government faces significant revenue implications, with estimates showing P136 billion in losses for 2026 (P121.4 billion from excise taxes and P14.6 billion from VAT) if suspensions occur from May to December.
Transport groups including PISTON have staged protests in Quezon City, highlighting that excise taxes and VAT add P15-P17 per liter to diesel and gasoline prices. The government has responded with P3.5 billion in subsidies, including P1 billion for free rides and P2.5 billion for PUV fuel assistance. As of March 11, 2026, no final legislation has been passed, and no fare increase has been approved, leaving jeepney drivers in financial distress while awaiting government action on both tax suspension and fare adjustment requests.
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