In the bustling streets of Mandaue City, the roar of a public utility jeepney (PUJ) is the heartbeat of the local commute. Yet, behind the steering wheels of these iconic vehicles, a quiet crisis is simmering. While the national government has rolled out various fuel subsidy programs designed to cushion the blow of global oil price volatility, a significant portion of the transport sector is finding itself left behind. Drivers of gasoline-powered jeepneys, who face the exact same economic pressures as their diesel-driving counterparts, are now speaking out, demanding inclusion in these vital financial support schemes.
According to a report by local news outlets covering the Mandaue transport sector, drivers like Steve Tangub are feeling the sting of exclusion. For many commuters, a jeepney is just a jeepney. But for the operators and drivers, the technical distinction between a diesel engine and a gasoline engine has become the difference between a day’s profit and a net loss. As fuel prices continue to hover at stifling levels, the lack of a subsidy for gasoline units creates a palpable inequity. It raises a larger question about how we classify "public transport" and who truly qualifies for government assistance when the economy hits a rough patch.
Historically, diesel has been the fuel of choice for heavy-duty public transport due to engine longevity and torque requirements. However, in cities like Cebu, older or modified jeepneys often run on gasoline. These drivers are not just transport workers; they are frontline economic actors who move the workforce. When they pay more at the pump without the relief provided by fuel vouchers or fuel cards, that cost is inevitably passed down or absorbed by the driver, slashing their already thin take-home pay. It is a cascading effect that touches everything from the price of a basic fare to the driver's ability to put food on the table for their families.
The sentiment shared by Tangub, who noted that they are just as affected by the global price surges as anyone else, mirrors the frustration of many transport workers across the country. The current government framework for subsidies appears heavily skewed toward diesel, likely due to the sheer volume of modern, diesel-based PUVs. Yet, in our haste to streamline subsidies for the most common vehicle types, we risk sidelining smaller operators who rely on gasoline units. These drivers aren't asking for special treatment; they are asking for parity.
This debate also touches upon the ongoing modernization program of the government. Critics often point out that the push for newer, more efficient units is the primary goal, but for the traditional driver, the immediate challenge is surviving the week. If the goal of a subsidy is to ensure that public transportation remains viable and affordable for the general public, then excluding a subset of drivers based on their engine type seems counterintuitive to the program's primary objective: keeping the wheels turning.
Looking ahead, the policy conversation must shift toward inclusivity. Whether a vehicle runs on diesel, gasoline, or even electricity, the driver’s economic burden remains constant. Lawmakers and transport regulators might need to revisit the eligibility criteria for fuel discounts to ensure that no sector of the transport industry is left to struggle in silence. It is not just about the fuel; it is about the dignity of labor and the recognition that every jeepney driver plays an essential role in keeping our cities moving. As the cost of living continues to rise, the silent struggle of these gasoline-powered units serves as a reminder that economic policy is only as effective as the people it reaches. For now, drivers continue to hit the streets, navigating both the traffic and the volatile prices, hoping that someone in the halls of power will finally acknowledge that gasoline-powered jeepneys deserve a fair shake.