MANILA, Philippines — Following a series of shorter strikes, major transport groups are mounting a massive, one-day nationwide “transport holiday” on Monday, March 23, 2026. The move is a desperate plea for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to provide “concrete solutions” to the runaway fuel prices that have made public transport operations unsustainable.
Leading the holiday are the Alliance of Concerned Transport Organizations (Acto) and the National Federation of Transport Cooperatives (NFTC). Combined, these groups represent roughly 86% of consolidated public utility vehicles (PUVs) under the government’s modernization program.
Unlike previous strikes, organizers emphasized that this will be a peaceful and non-disruptive suspension of operations.
- No Roadblocks: There will be no mass protests or blocking of major thoroughfares.
- Focus on Maintenance: Drivers will instead focus on vehicle maintenance or simply stay home.
- Objective: To demonstrate that without immediate government intervention, transport services will naturally collapse due to financial insolvency.
- Fuel Subsidies: Immediate and expedited distribution of fuel subsidies and cash assistance, particularly for drivers in the provinces who are currently earning as little as ₱150 a day.
- Fare Hikes: Lifting the suspension on the proposed ₱2 fare increase, which was put on hold by the government last week.
- Loan Moratorium: A temporary suspension of monthly loan payments for “modernized” units acquired through state-run banks. Many cooperatives are struggling to meet amortizations while fuel prices skyrocket.
- Service Contracting: Resumption of the “Libreng Sakay” program, where the government pays operators to provide free rides, ensuring both income for drivers and relief for commuters.
The transport holiday comes as the Philippines enters its third consecutive week of double-digit fuel price increases due to the conflict in the Middle East.
- Diesel Projection: Expected to hit ₱120 per liter starting Tuesday, March 24.
- Gasoline Projection: Likely to breach the ₱100 per liter mark this week.
- Class Suspensions: Several local government units, including Iloilo City, have already transitioned to online classes or suspended face-to-face sessions in anticipation of fewer PUVs on the road.
- Government Stance: The Palace has appealed for “understanding and trust,” while the DOTr and LTFRB are meeting with other groups (Fejodap and LTOP) who have postponed their strikes in hopes that a ₱10,000 subsidy and a fare hike might be granted soon.