A wave of protest echoed through parts of Cebu on Monday evening, March 23, as transport groups and various sectors staged a noise barrage ahead of another round of fuel price increases set to take effect on March 24.
The demonstration took place near a station of Petron along B. Rodriguez Street, where participants sounded horns, banged metal objects, and voiced strong opposition to the surge in oil prices.
Protesters called on the government to take immediate action, including the rollback of fuel prices and the removal or suspension of taxes imposed on petroleum products. According to the groups, the continuous increase in fuel costs is severely affecting drivers, commuters, and small businesses already grappling with inflation.
Transport leaders emphasized that without intervention, the burden on ordinary Filipinos will continue to worsen, particularly in sectors heavily reliant on daily fuel consumption.
The latest fuel price adjustment comes amid ongoing global oil market fluctuations, which have triggered a series of hikes in recent weeks.
Authorities have yet to release an official response regarding the demands raised during the protest.
Photo: Jacq Hernandez, PBB Photojournalist
