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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider TNVS drivers share woes in day-to-day operations amid rising fuel prices

TNVS drivers share woes in day-to-day operations amid rising fuel prices

Published Mar 17, 2026 05:13 pm
TNVS drivers during the press conference on Tuesday, March 17. (Allysa Nievera)
TNVS drivers during the press conference on Tuesday, March 17. (Allysa Nievera)
Transport network vehicle service (TNVS) drivers are raising alarm over declining earnings as surging fuel prices and fare concerns continue to strain their livelihoods.
Drivers said the recent oil price hikes have sharply increased their daily expenses, forcing many to work longer hours while taking home less income.
Mark Anthony Abehiro, a TNVS driver, said at least six of his fellow drivers have already returned their vehicles due to unsustainable operating costs.
“Marami na po, kumbaga ito lang 'yung hanap buhay nila… sakripisyo kasi hindi na po kaya, kaya marami kaming mga kapwa driver nagsoli na ng sasakyan (There are already many, because this is their only livelihood ... they can't handle it anymore, so many or fellow drivers have returned their vehicles)," he said in a press conference on Tuesday, March 17.
Prior to the fuel price increases, drivers could earn between P3,000 and P4,000 after 10 to 12 hours of work, spending around P1,000 on gasoline.
Now, drivers report fuel expenses ranging from P1,500 to as high as P2,000 per day, significantly cutting into their earnings. Despite this, their net income has remained the same or even decreased.
Another driver raised concerns over fare computation, saying the supposed P2 per minute rate is not consistently followed.
The fare situation comes as the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has approved a P20 increase in the flag-down rate for TNVS, which is expected to take effect on Thursday, March 19.
From earning around P1,500 after a 12-hour shift in the past, some drivers now take home only about P700, according to estimates shared by the group.
Commission cuts from ride-hailing platforms also add to their burden, with drivers citing rates of around 10% on one platform and as high as 26% on another.
The group have yet to formally filed complaints but are planning to do so soon as frustrations mount.
As fuel prices continue to climb, TNVS drivers warn that more may be forced to stop operating if conditions do not improve, which could eventually impact ride availability for commuters across Metro Manila.

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