Photo credit: PISTON

Commuters, brace yourselves—drivers, operators, and transport groups are hitting the streets today, March 19, launching a two-day nationwide strike and protest to call out rising fuel prices and what they describe as the government’s slow response to the country’s worsening economic situation.

Leading the charge is transport group PISTON, joined by various social sectors, as they push for urgent reforms that they say could ease the burden on both drivers and commuters.

At the top of their demands: the immediate removal of value-added tax (VAT) and excise tax on fuel, which they claim could slash diesel prices by as much as ₱20 per liter. They’re also calling for a ₱5 fare increase to help drivers stay afloat amid surging costs.

But the demands don’t stop there. Protesters are also urging the government to scrap the Oil Deregulation Law, arguing that it allows private oil companies to dictate prices freely. In its place, they’re pushing for the nationalization of the oil industry—a long-term solution they believe would stabilize fuel prices.

The protest also carries broader calls, including wage increases, price controls on basic goods, and an end to what they describe as U.S.-led military aggression.

Strike centers across Metro Manila are already active today, including key locations such as:

• Plaza Bonifacio in Pasig
• Cubao, Quezon City (Aurora Blvd.)
• Welcome Rotonda
• Litex Terminal and Philcoa along Commonwealth Avenue
• Ermita and Tondo in Manila
• Baclaran in Pasay
• Alabang Terminal in Muntinlupa
• Monumento in Caloocan

The movement is expected to culminate tomorrow, March 20, with a major protest action in Mendiola—a traditional hotspot for large demonstrations.

With transport disruptions looming and tensions running high, commuters are advised to plan ahead as the strike unfolds.