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Groups hold protest at Mendiola vs inflation, fuel price hikes

Philippines | Metro Manila

Groups hold protest at Mendiola vs inflation, fuel price hikes

By Patrick Garcia

Various groups stage a protest in Mendiola, Manila, on Friday, March 27, 2026, decrying the continued increase in fuel prices and the persistent rise in inflation. The demonstration highlights growing public concern over the economic strain on commuters and low-income households, amid fears that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East will further drive up global oil prices and worsen the cost of living. (Contributed Photos)

Various groups stage a protest in Mendiola, Manila, on Friday, March 27, 2026, decrying the continued increase in fuel prices and the persistent rise in inflation. The demonstration highlights growing public concern over the economic strain on commuters and low-income households, amid fears that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East will further drive up global oil prices and worsen the cost of living. (Contributed Photos)

Despite the scorching heat, several groups trooped to Mendiola in Manila on Friday, March 27, to call on the national government to immediately act on various social and economic issues arising from the Middle East war.

Around 800 protesters belonging to Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON), MANIBELA, No to Oil Price Hike Coalition, and other sectoral groups joined the protest action as part of PISTON's two-day transport strike to air their grievances to President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and his administration.

These include calls for the removal of the value-added tax (VAT) and excise tax on petroleum items, a P55 rollback on fuel prices, a fare hike, and the abolishment of the Oil Deregulation Law.

Meanwhile, other protesters urged the government to increase the wages of workers to P1,200 as well as call on world leaders to stop the crisis in the Middle East that has pushed world economies to a breaking point.

According to Manila Police District (MPD) spokesman Major Philip Ines, the protesters ended their program at 3:25 p.m., after the police allowed the groups to conduct their program for two hours.

Ines said the demonstration was generally peaceful while the police force observed maximum tolerance during the protest.

Related Tags

TRANSPORT STRIKE INFLATION FUEL PRICE HIKE MIDDLE EAST WAR MPD MANILA CITY MENDIOLA METRO NEWS

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