Philippines Transport Strike: Schools Shift to Online Classes

Nationwide Transport Strike Disrupts Travel and Classes Across Philippines

Commuters and students across the Philippines are facing significant disruptions as a three-day nationwide transport strike continues. Led by the transport group MANIBELA, the protest began on Wednesday, April 15, and is scheduled to last until Friday, April 17, 2026. The action aims to pressure the government to address an ongoing energy emergency and lower the cost of fuel for public utility vehicles (PUVs).

Demands for Fuel Tax Suspension

The strike, led by MANIBELA chairman Mar Valbuena, is centered on the demand for a full suspension of excise taxes and Value-Added Tax (VAT) on all petroleum products. Valbuena has described the Marcos administration’s response to the energy crisis as “insufficient,” arguing that global price drops should be reflected locally regardless of regional infrastructure status. Specifically, the group is calling for diesel to be priced at at least ₱55 per liter.

Scope of Impact and Participation

The strike has a broad reach, affecting several major urban centers and sectors:

• Metro Manila: Serving as the focal point of the protests.
• Visayas: Disruptions in major cities including Cebu, Bacolod, Iloilo, Tacloban, Ormoc, Samar, Catbalogan, and Catarman.
• Mindanao: Impacting key hubs such as Davao, Cagayan de Oro, General Santos City, Iligan, and Ozamiz.

While MANIBELA expects approximately 80,000 members to join, other reports indicate up to 500,000 members nationwide may participate. The action is supported by the United Transport Alliance Nationwide, as well as representatives from transport network vehicle services (TNVS) and motorcycle taxis.

Government and Law Enforcement Response

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has maintained a high level of visibility to ensure order. PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr. Reported that the first day of the strike was peaceful, with no significant incidents monitored nationwide. Police have deployed assistance desks (PADs) and quick response teams in major transport corridors and terminals to help stranded commuters and secure non-participating drivers.

Mixed Reactions from Transport Groups

Not all transport cooperatives are participating in the strike. The Bicol Intercity Transport Cooperative (BITCoop) announced it would skip the protest. While BITCoop recognizes the difficulties drivers face and seeks fuel subsidies and tax deferrals, it has maintained its position to remain operational.

Key Takeaways for Commuters and Students

• Duration: The strike runs from April 15 to April 17, 2026.
• Education: Various schools in Metro Manila and other regions have suspended face-to-face classes, shifting to online learning to accommodate students affected by the transport shortage.
• Alternative Transport: Some local governments, such as Bacolod, have deployed vehicles for “libre sakay” (free rides) to mitigate the impact on the public.

As the strike enters its final stages, the PNP continues to urge transport groups to preserve the protests peaceful and lawful while maintaining security alerts until the action concludes on Friday.