Cebu City Government Plans Fuel Subsidy for Public Transport Drivers Amid Rising Fuel Prices
In response to the continuous surge in fuel prices, the Cebu City Government has announced plans to provide a fuel subsidy to public transport drivers. This initiative aims to alleviate the financial strain on drivers who have seen their daily earnings diminish as operational costs escalate.
Mayor Archival Engages with Transport Groups
On Thursday, March 12, 2026, Mayor Nestor Archival convened a meeting with representatives from taxi, modern jeepney, and traditional jeepney groups. The purpose was to listen to their grievances regarding the skyrocketing prices of diesel and gasoline and explore potential assistance measures from the city.
During the dialogue, transport leaders highlighted the severe challenges faced by drivers. They explained that many are struggling to sustain their income because fuel prices have increased significantly, while fare rates have remained unchanged. Mayor Archival noted, "They are having a hard time because the price of diesel and gasoline is very high, but the fare they collect is still the same. That's what they told me, citing a statement from the LTFRB that there is no fare increase."
Real Struggles of Drivers Exposed
Greg Perez, president of the Piston Cebu chapter, presented the harsh realities confronting drivers. He emphasized that their earnings have been severely impacted by the expensive fuel. Perez detailed, "In the past, I would budget around 1,000 pesos for fuel for a whole day's trip, but now it reaches up to 1,500 pesos just for fuel, even though the trip, time, and route remain the same."
Furthermore, Perez revealed that some drivers have already surrendered and stopped operating their vehicles due to insufficient income. He reported that in the previous week, several drivers chose to park their vehicles because it has become difficult to run them without earning a clean profit.
Boundary System Adds to Financial Pressure
Most public utility vehicles (PUVs) operate under a boundary system, where drivers must remit a fixed amount to the operator before they can take their share of the earnings. According to Perez, the current boundary for jeepneys ranges from P1,100 to P1,200, exacerbating the financial burden on drivers already grappling with high fuel costs.
The proposed fuel subsidy by the Cebu City Government is seen as a critical step to support these essential workers and ensure the stability of public transportation services in the city.
