A coalition of public transport groups and workers on Monday, March 23, announced that they will hold a transport and labor strike on Thursday, March 26 and Friday, March 27. @here

Thousands of ride-hailing drivers vow to stop receiving bookings for 2-day strike. More in this report @here https://www.rappler.com/philippines/puv-ride-hailing-drivers-transport-strike-march-26-27-2026/

Commuters lined up at MRT-3 EDSA-Taft station today as DOTR enforced its updated fare matrix. Fares now range from P6 to P14 after the 50% discount.

Hi everyone! My name is Julian Cirineo, editor for Rappler's BrandRap section. Just wanted to share this interesting invite from our friends at Meralco:

Hundreds of tricycle and jeepney drivers in Dumaguete City appeared outside the city hall on Wednesday, March 25, to claim the P100 fuel subsidy granted by the local government.

Edmar Santos, sectoral desk manager of community drivers, clarified that only those who are local residents can avail the subsidy coupons worth P700 worth for a week’s fuel consumption.

The Dumaguete city council approved last week the allocation of P10 million for this program, the first LGU to roll-out cash aid in Negros Oriental.

Moreover, authorized personnel assigned for the distribution will accommodate applicants daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sorsogon declares calamity status, rolls out aid for transport workers

The provincial government of Sorsogon has declared a state of calamity due to rising oil prices and will roll out financial assistance to public transport workers, including jeepney and tricycle drivers.

The declaration would allow the provincial government to tap its calamity fund to provide fuel subsidies and financial aid to transport workers. | via Bobby Labalan/Rappler

SM Supermalls to shorten operating hours

SM Supermalls across the Philippines will shorten operating hours starting March 30, in response to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s declaration of a state of national energy emergency.

Starting Monday, SM's mall hours will be from 11 am to 9 pm, Mondays to Fridays, and from 10 am to 9 pm on weekends. | via Sabrina Joyce Go/Rappler

REPORTER’S NOTE: Act of kindness in a time of crisis
Hello! Just sharing some good anecdotes I picked up while covering this oil crisis.

March 27, 2026
I rode with Tatay Victor on his jeepney from Pasig Palengke to MRT-Shaw (and back) for a video report.

Along the way, one passenger waved off her change from a P100 fare. The ride usually costs between P13 and P18.

Another even asked for smaller change just so she could leave a tip for Tatay Victor.

Notes from March 26, 2026
I booked a motorcycle taxi going to Maginhawa for a community pantry story.

At one of the stoplights along EDSA, my motorcycle taxi driver and I spotted a mother and child asking for alms. The driver pulled out some coins from his bag and gave them.

Motorcycle taxi riders are already struggling with soaring fuel costs. With too little to spare, he still chose to give.

Around 60-80 cyclists rode together from Quezon City to Kapitolyo to advocate for safer roads for women this morning, Friday, March 27.

Organised by the Move as One Coalition, the group argues that poor biking infrastructure is deterring Filipinas from cycling. They use the current fuel crisis as an example of why having safe active transport areas is essential, not just for enjoyment, but for people to commute to work more cheaply and efficiently.

Transport and commuter groups converge in Welcome Rotonda, Quezon City for the second day of transport strike to protest the rising cost of fuel.

Cebu Pacific assures fuel supply for all flights until June 2026

Budget carrier Cebu Pacific said that it has secured sufficient jet fuel to support all scheduled domestic and international flights until June 2026.

In a statement on Sunday, March 29, Cebu Pacific said it is “working closely with suppliers and industry partners to ensure continued fuel availability in the months ahead and will continue to take proactive measures to maintain stable and sustainable operations.”

Cebu Pacific previously cancelled and limited several overseas flights in response to the rising cost of fuel due to the conflict in the Middle East.

RELATED STORY: https://www.rappler.com/philippines/cebu-pacific-cancels-limits-flights-oil-price-hike-march-2026/?_thumbnail_id=1813859

The MMDA is eyeing to implement a carpooling program in Metro Manila in response to the energy conservation efforts of the government. MMDA Chairman Don Artes now presides over an inter-agency meeting. @here

So, what is this carpooling program all about? 

Under this program, private cars, including company cars, will be allowed to carpool to lessen the demand for fuel.  The government eyes to release the final guidelines after the Holy Week. 

Despite concerns that the carpooling program could affect their business, Angkas expressed support for the MMDA’s initiative. The company also proposed setting up pick-up bays at carpool drop-off points to offer last-mile transport to commuters’ doorsteps, adding that it is considering offering discounts as well.

But carpooling in this manner is allowed naman with or without MMDA policy right? Whats the difference with the MMDA policy? Incentives, new system that centralizes, infrastructure (like set pick up and drop off points)?

Based on the discussion here, others use “carpooling” for profit. They are tagged as colorum or illegal.

Hello! We created a tracker on how much fuel prices have increased since US-Israeli war with Iran erupted in February. Here's a snippet of the chart. See more details @here https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/data-documents/metro-manila-fuel-price-tracker-middle-east-conflict-march-2026/

My comment on the carpooling initiative launched by MMDA LTO and LTFRB:

Carpooling is most welcome and much needed. However, the promotion of carpooling is a relatively weak response to an emergency demanding decisive and substantial action to reduce fuel consumption and encourage a shift to the most fuel-efficient and people-oriented modes of travel. Filipinos willing to carpool are already carpooling in their own neighborhoods, motivated by the high cost of fuel.

Carpooling may improve the productivity and economic impact of car use, but it serves only those who have access to cars and carpools; in the end, carpooling may be used as the justification for preserving and prioritizing existing road space for private cars—which is the wrong thing to do.

In these times, rather than preserve road space for cars, we need to prioritize road space for the most efficient and fuel-efficient modes—walking, cycling and public transport. This is the message we need to hear from the highest levels of government, including from MMDA. The vast majority of Filipinos do not have access to a car or car pool.

Carpooling is also rendered ineffective once fuel rationing is introduced, and that day may be coming faster than we think. When that day comes, when supplies are severely limited, what makes sense is to limit fuel distribution to (1) higher capacity and fuel-efficient public transport vehicles (buses, PUJs) and (2) freight for essential goods. When that day comes, we need to focus on public transport, walking and cycling.

Today, the response to the fuel crisis should be about preserving the supply of public transport and making active transport as safe and attractive as possible. Road space should be converted into dedicated lanes for public transport so buses, jeeps and UV Express can travel more efficiently, without being stuck in traffic. Limited subsidies for public transport should be offered to PUVs using a net service contracting approach (where PUVs