The Alliance of Concerned Transport Organization (ACTO) will observe a transport holiday on Monday, March 23, as rising fuel prices make it difficult for public utility vehicle drivers and operators to continue normal operations.
ACTO national president Libay de Luna said drivers can no longer operate sustainably and will pause services nationwide to signal to President Marcos the financial strain the sector is facing.
The group is seeking the release of fuel subsidies and other financial aid from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to help operators cope with the escalating costs.
De Luna also requested government assistance for service contracts and a temporary moratorium from banks for transport cooperatives struggling to pay for modern jeepney units.
In Iloilo City, the Western Visayas Alliance of Transport Cooperatives and Corporations Inc. will join the transport holiday, affecting more than 1,000 traditional and modern jeepney drivers and operators.
Schools at all levels in the city are also suspending classes on Monday, while the local government will provide free rides for passengers impacted by the holiday.
Other transport groups, including the Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines and the Liga ng Transportasyon (FEJODAP) at Operators sa Pilipinas (LTOP), postponed their planned strike. They will instead meet with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to discuss fare adjustments and the distribution of financial aid to jeepney, UV Express, and TNVS drivers.
Industry sources said fuel prices are expected to increase next week, with diesel rising by Php 16.50 to Php 17.50 per liter, gasoline by Php 7.50 to Php 8.50 per liter, and kerosene by Php 6.90 to Php 8.90 per liter.
The Department of Energy (DOE) previously announced that diesel could reach Php 23.90 per liter and gasoline up to Php 16.60 for the week of March 17 to 23.