Hundreds of Philippine tricycle drivers queued on Tuesday in Manila for cash handouts aimed at providing temporary relief from a war-driven surge in fuel prices. The increases come after strikes in the Middle East last month, triggered by US and Israeli attacks on Iran, disrupted global oil markets.
Since the onset of the conflict, the Philippines has implemented a four-day work week for civil servants, reduced ferry schedules in some areas, and begun considering the possibility of Russian oil imports.
As drivers waited for their subsidies at a Manila community centre, officials announced price hikes for local transportation, including jeepneys, which millions of Filipinos rely on daily. However, these fare increases do not apply to tricycle drivers, who operate in narrow alleys on motorbikes with attached carriages.
Romeo Cipriano, a 60-year-old tricycle driver for four decades, said: “These are the highest fuel prices I have ever experienced. The subsidy of 5,000 pesos (US$84) would be better than nothing.”
Al de Ocampo reported his daily earnings had dropped from 1,000–500 pesos in recent weeks. “The handout will last no more than a week,” he said. “The price of fuel rose again today, but the fare is still the same with customers unable to pay more. They must remove the fuel tax if possible. If not entirely, then reduce it by 50%. That would be a great help until the end of the war.”
President Ferdinand Marcos attended the subsidy dispersal as the Senate prepared to vote on granting him temporary authority to suspend or reduce excise taxes on oil.
At a press briefing, Vigor Mendoza, chair of the Philippine transportation regulator, confirmed fare hikes, citing concern for both commuters and operators. Most jeepney rides are expected to increase by about 8% on average.
The Philippines, heavily dependent on the Middle East for crude oil, is exploring alternative suppliers, including Russia, after a temporary easing of US restrictions following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Ramon Ang, CEO of Petron, the country’s sole oil refiner, confirmed ongoing talks but provided no further details.
Cipriano reflected on the broader impact: “We are not the only ones affected. No one wins in war.”
The current measures highlight the strain on a nation reliant on imported energy. Diesel and petrol prices have surged to multi-year highs, squeezing low-income commuters and drivers. The four-day work week for civil servants aims to cut fuel and electricity use, while reduced ferry operations conserve marine fuel supplies.
For tricycle operators, the 5,000 peso one-time subsidy offers only short-term relief. Jeepney fare increases help that sector offset higher fuel costs, but tricycle drivers remain vulnerable due to their unique route structures. The potential import of Russian oil represents a strategic shift, though actual purchases will depend on pricing, logistics, and international sanctions. Rising transport costs may also feed into broader inflation, affecting food and goods prices.
As the conflict continues, drivers and officials hope for a swift resolution. Meanwhile, cash subsidies, fare adjustments, and policy changes form the Philippines’ short-term toolkit to mitigate the impact of global oil disruptions.
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