MANIBELA Launches Massive Two-Day Transport Strike Over Fuel Hikes; Up to 100,000 Drivers Disrupted

Courtesy: MANIBELA

Courtesy: LTFRB

Commuters across Metro Manila and key provinces faced severe transit disruptions as the transport group MANIBELA launched a massive two-day nationwide transport strike from July 22 to July 23, 2026. Striking drivers are protesting continuous fuel price hikes and demanding urgent economic relief, with organizers warning the protest could be extended until Friday, July 24, 2026, if the government fails to address their demands.

Fuel Costs Spark Nationwide Outcry

The mobilization stems from severe economic pressure on public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers following consecutive "mega" fuel price increases. Diesel prices have surged by as much as ₱10.68 per liter, severely eroding the daily take-home pay of transport workers.

MANIBELA chairperson Mar Valbuena stated that the protest aims to hold the Department of Energy (DOE) accountable for failing to cushion the public from global oil market shocks. The group is demanding an immediate ₱2 minimum fare increase for traditional public utility jeepneys (PUJs), a total removal of excise and value-added taxes (VAT) on fuel products, and the formal repeal of the Oil Deregulation Law.

Over 100,000 Drivers Join Mobilization

According to MANIBELA leadership, an estimated 100,000 public utility vehicles from five distinct transport sectors and cooperatives are participating in the strike. The protest has drawn support beyond traditional jeepney drivers, with several UV Express operators and independent motorcycle taxi riders joining in solidarity.

Protesters established their primary staging hub and demonstration center at the Philcoa Petron Station along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City. Demonstrators are also marching toward the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) central office on East Avenue to formally submit their fare hike petitions.

Government Emergency Contingencies Triggered

To mitigate widespread commuter strandings, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and various local government units (LGUs) have deployed emergency fleets to offer "Libreng Sakay" (Free Rides). Emergency vehicles are operating during critical morning and evening rush hours from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM along major corridors:

• Welcome Rotonda to Fairview (and vice versa)
• Recto to Cubao via Nagtahan (and vice versa)
• Quiapo to Cubao via E. Rodriguez (and vice versa)
• Quiapo to Fairview (and vice versa)
• Kalentong to Pasig Palengke (and vice versa)
• PITX to Lawton (and vice versa)

Additionally, the Quezon City government has mobilized its dedicated QCity Bus Service to augment local barangay routes. Commuters are advised to monitor official transport advisories, as a formal announcement regarding the extension of the strike into Friday is expected later tonight.