Politics · Philippines Bureau
Jeepney drivers seek fare hike as Marcos marks 68th birthday
Transport group Manibela has called for a passenger fare increase for jeepney operators, timing their request with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s birthday celebration. The appeal comes as the transport sector faces mounting pressure from surging fuel costs.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — The transport advocacy group Manibela marked President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s 68th birthday on Sunday with an unconventional gift request: approval for a jeepney fare hike to help drivers cope with escalating operational costs.
Manibela's birthday greeting doubled as a call for government intervention on the persistent issue of rising petroleum prices, which have squeezed profit margins for public transport operators nationwide. The group's timing coincided with the start of transport strike action aimed at drawing official attention to the sector's financial difficulties.
Jeepney drivers have increasingly sought fare increases to offset fuel price volatility and maintain service viability. The request underscores growing concerns within the public transport industry about sustainability amid economic pressures that show no signs of abating.
The appeal to the president reflects broader industry frustrations with the pace of government response to transport sector challenges. Manibela's dual approach—combining ceremonial acknowledgment with substantive policy demands—highlights how transport groups are leveraging various platforms to press their case for relief measures.