MARCH 8, 2026 — Brace yourselves, commuters! Transport group Piston is gearing up for a nationwide strike by the end of March, and the timing couldn’t be more volatile. With the Middle East crisis rattling global oil markets, diesel prices here at home are projected to spike by as much as ₱23 per liter. That’s not just a pinch — it’s a gut punch to jeepney drivers already struggling to make ends meet.

Piston president Mody Floranda said, “With oil taxes considered, around P6,000 more is lost in our sector.”

This means that on top of the ₱42,000 in direct income loss within just 25 days, drivers are bleeding even more because of VAT and excise taxes. His demand? A suspension of those taxes, not just subsidies that vanish once oil prices climb again.

The government, for its part, has promised ₱2.5 billion in fuel subsidies, to be released once global oil hits $80 per barrel. Transport Secretary Giovanni Lopez insists this will cushion the blow. 

But Floranda counters, “At first glance, this may look helpful. However, what’s the point of the subsidy if oil prices continuously increase?”

The Middle East conflict could drag on for two months, meaning commuters and drivers alike are staring down weeks of uncertainty. For us, that translates to higher fares, tighter budgets, and the daily gamble of whether public transport will even be available if strikes paralyze the streets.

On Monday, Piston will rally along East Avenue, Quezon City, to protest the “big-time increase” in oil prices. Expect traffic, expect noise, and expect the debate to heat up.

Should the government prioritize subsidies, or should it bite the bullet and suspend fuel taxes altogether? 

(Image: Piston: Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide | Facebook)