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Philippines

High fuel prices force PUV drivers in Cebu to quit plying routes

Philippines

High fuel prices force PUV drivers in Cebu to quit plying routes

By Calvin Cordova

CEBU CITY -- The skyrocketing prices of petroleum products have forced some public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers in Metro Cebu to stop plying routes.

Greg Perez, coordinator of Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (Piston)-Cebu Chapter, said some of their members have opted to return to their respective provinces.

Piston-Cebu has about 500 members and about 50 percent of them have stopped plying, said Perez.

Perez said some drivers have opted to look for other jobs as the steep prices of fuel have greatly affected their income.

“As we can see, fuel prices have been soaring. Our drivers will really surrender. Some of our members have opted to apply as family drivers or company drivers,” Perez said in a media event on Tuesday, June 21.

The increasing fuel prices have not just affected PUV drivers but also the commuters, said Perez.

Perez said that because some drivers have quit plying their route, it has been noted that the number PUVs on the road has dwindled.

Perez said long lines of commuters waiting for their rides can be observed during rush hours.

“The effect is really severe. Some families could no longer eat three times a day. The current situation where drivers are being displaced is not just the effect of the pandemic but also of the rising prices of fuel,” said Perez.

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