DAVAO CITY — Jeepney drivers in Davao City say they have yet to receive any fuel subsidy assistance from the government, even as rising fuel prices continue to eat into their daily earnings. Many drivers report that after paying for fuel, boundary fees, and other expenses, they are left with little to nothing to bring home to their families.
The situation reflects a broader crisis facing public utility jeepney (PUJ) operators and drivers across the Philippines. The government has previously announced fuel subsidy programs targeting transport workers, but drivers on the ground say the aid has not reached them. Some report earning net incomes of only a few hundred pesos per day — far below what is needed to sustain a household.
The jeepney modernization program, which requires older jeepneys to be replaced with newer, more expensive Euro 4-compliant units, has added further financial pressure. Many drivers who have not yet transitioned to modern units face the threat of being phased out, while those who have taken on loans for new vehicles struggle with repayments on top of fuel costs.
Transport groups in Davao have called on local and national government officials to ensure that fuel subsidies are properly distributed and that the needs of drivers are addressed before further modernization deadlines are enforced. As of April 2026, the issue remains unresolved for many drivers in the city.
