Manila’s jeepney drivers struggle as oil prices soarAFP, MANILAThe sun was not quite up as Eric Helera unlocked the doors of his jeepney, wiped down its two long passenger benches, and checked his brake fluid before another day ferrying Manila commuters. Jeepney driver Eric Helera, left, speaks with fellow drivers at a terminal in Manila on Monday. “I’m on the side of the jeepney drivers,” salesclerk Trixie Brumuela said of potentially pricier rides. “Fuel prices rose, but fares didn’t, so they’re losing money,” the 35-year-old said outside one of Manila’s ubiquitous jeepney terminals, while conceding she was struggling to make ends meet herself. While a government cash handout expected today — the first for embattled jeepney drivers — would be welcome, “5,000 pesos ... won’t carry you that far,” Helera said.

Source: Taipei Times March 24, 2026 17:59 UTC