NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Transport Groups Set Nationwide Strike Over Fuel Taxes, Ghost Projects Allegations
Photo credit: PISTON
Two major transport groups, PISTON and MANIBELA, are set to stage nationwide strikes this week to protest what they call unjust fuel taxes and alleged misuse of public funds.
In a statement, PISTON accused the Marcos administration of refusing to remove the value-added tax (VAT) and excise taxes on oil products because these serve as funding sources for “ghost” flood control projects. According to the group, jeepney drivers pay nearly ₱13,000 a month in fuel taxes, while motorcycle riders shoulder around ₱4,000. Operators of modern jeepneys, they added, bear the heaviest burden—reaching up to ₱23,400 monthly.
“Lubog ka na nga sa utang dahil sa modernization, ninanakaw pa ang binabayad mong tax,” PISTON said, stressing that hearings and investigations are not enough. “Dapat may managot, dapat may makulong.”
MANIBELA echoed the same sentiment, claiming that fuel taxes are funneled to the luxuries of politicians’ families while drivers struggle to make ends meet. The group denounced the government for letting transport workers shoulder the costs of corruption and waste.
As a result, MANIBELA announced a three-day transport strike from September 17 to 19, followed by a mass protest at Luneta on September 21 to demand accountability.
“Hindi katanggap-tanggap na may ganitong mga nangyayari habang tayo ay sadlak sa kahirapan at sakuna,” the group said.
Both groups urged commuters and the public to support their calls for transparency and immediate relief from the heavy taxes on fuel.
In a statement, PISTON accused the Marcos administration of refusing to remove the value-added tax (VAT) and excise taxes on oil products because these serve as funding sources for “ghost” flood control projects. According to the group, jeepney drivers pay nearly ₱13,000 a month in fuel taxes, while motorcycle riders shoulder around ₱4,000. Operators of modern jeepneys, they added, bear the heaviest burden—reaching up to ₱23,400 monthly.
“Lubog ka na nga sa utang dahil sa modernization, ninanakaw pa ang binabayad mong tax,” PISTON said, stressing that hearings and investigations are not enough. “Dapat may managot, dapat may makulong.”
MANIBELA echoed the same sentiment, claiming that fuel taxes are funneled to the luxuries of politicians’ families while drivers struggle to make ends meet. The group denounced the government for letting transport workers shoulder the costs of corruption and waste.
As a result, MANIBELA announced a three-day transport strike from September 17 to 19, followed by a mass protest at Luneta on September 21 to demand accountability.
“Hindi katanggap-tanggap na may ganitong mga nangyayari habang tayo ay sadlak sa kahirapan at sakuna,” the group said.
Both groups urged commuters and the public to support their calls for transparency and immediate relief from the heavy taxes on fuel.
Sep 16, 2025
We are dedicated storytellers with a passion for bringing your brand to life. Our services range from news and media features to brand promotion and collaborations.
Interested? Visit our
Contact Us page for more information. To learn more about what we offer, check out our latest article on services and opportunities.
