Malacañang is calling for patience and cooperation from transport groups as it balances commuter relief and driver welfare following protests over soaring fuel prices triggered by tensions in the Middle East.
Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro appealed for unity as jeepney group Piston staged a nationwide strike and pushed for a fare hike, citing declining earnings among drivers.
“Ang hiling lang natin ay pang-unawa at pagtitiwala sa mga desisyon ng gobyerno na binabalanse ang pagtulong sa mga mananakay at sa transportation sector,” Castro said.
Transport groups reported that drivers’ daily income has dropped to as low as ₱200 to ₱300 amid rising fuel costs.
The Palace defended President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s decision to recall a planned fare increase, a move criticized by some groups who argued that suspending fuel excise taxes would provide more effective relief.
Castro maintained that the government has already taken steps to cushion the impact, including prioritizing fuel subsidies and financial assistance for the transport sector.
“Alam po ni Pangulong Marcos ang hinaing nating lahat… Hindi natin ginusto ito. Hindi ito kasalanan ng Pangulo at ng gobyerno,” she said, referring to the external shock caused by escalating tensions in the Middle East.