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Hundreds of transport workers in Manila staged a strike Thursday as soaring fuel prices continue to strain livelihoods across the Philippine capital.

The cost of diesel and petrol has more than doubled since fighting in the Iran war erupted on 28 February, prompting the government to declare a nationwide energy emergency.

Drivers say the impact has been severe. A 62-year-old Manila driver described worsening conditions, explaining he had no food to provide for his five children and had yet to receive any financial assistance from authorities.

President Ferdinand Marcos said efforts were underway to secure alternative oil supplies, noting the government was “looking at everything we can do.”

The protest movement is being organized by transport coalition Piston, which has issued a broad set of demands. These include eliminating fuel taxes, lowering oil prices, ending deregulation policies and placing the industry under state control.

Union leaders are also calling for higher fares and wage increases.

Protesters gathered at multiple locations throughout Manila on Thursday morning, displaying placards and urging officials to deliver more substantial relief.

Many participants were jeepney drivers, operators of the city’s low-cost minibuses. Drivers working for motorcycle and car ride-hailing services had also signaled plans to join the demonstrations, according to local media reports.

Some drivers said they were still waiting for the promised 5,000 pesos ($83; £62) subsidy that the Department of Social Welfare and Development said would be distributed to eligible workers.

"I lined up for more than five hours yesterday for the cash aid from the government, but my name was not there," said 62-year-old Guillermo Japole, adding that he had received "no cash aid, no earnings, no food for the family".

Guillermo, whose five children are in school, says his family is on the edge of being evicted from their rental home.

Another driver, 28-year-old Anjo Lilac, also said he had not received assistance. He brought his daughter Hannah with him to the protest.

"No one will look after her since my wife got a temporary job," he explained. "It [financial aid] will help us - for food, house rent and most especially the milk for our baby."

Some jeepney operators said they were considering leaving the capital to search for work in their home provinces.

"It feels like we are being choked. It's really tough. We don't know where can we get money to provide for our families," said Ronnie Rillosa, 58, who has been a jeepney driver for 30 years.

The two-day strike has already disrupted commuting in Manila, one of Asia’s most congested urban centers, where daily travel can take hours.

Arnold Irinco, a 52-year-old liaison officer, waited in line Thursday morning for a government-provided free ride and said he had been queuing for about 30 minutes. Despite the inconvenience, he expressed sympathy for the protesters.

"I do understand what the protesters are fighting for," he said. "This is their livelihood, they had mouths to feed, they need to live. As a commuter, I need to understand their situation as well."

Government Expands Emergency Powers

On Wednesday, Marcos signed legislation allowing him to temporarily suspend or reduce excise taxes on petroleum products if Dubai crude prices average at least $80 (£59) per barrel over a month.

Since the onset of the Middle East conflict, the government has rolled out subsidies for transport workers, scaled back ferry operations and introduced a four-day workweek for civil servants in an effort to conserve fuel.

A national energy emergency declared Tuesday grants authorities expanded powers to maintain supply stability and shield the broader economy.

The Philippines is the first country to implement such a measure in response to the US-Israel war with Iran.

Officials have also established a committee to oversee distribution of fuel, food, medicines and other essential goods. The government is now authorized to directly procure petroleum products to bolster reserves.

However, the move has drawn criticism.

The Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU), a major labor coalition, condemned the emergency declaration, calling it an “admission” that officials had failed to manage the oil crisis effectively.

The group previously accused the administration of minimizing the severity of the situation, arguing that assurances that “everything is normal” were misleading.

KMU also warned about what it described as “anti-worker provisions” in the order, particularly measures that could limit activities deemed disruptive to economic operations, including strikes.

Business leaders, however, have voiced support. Tycoon Manuel V. Pangilinan, chairman of several major utilities firms, said rising energy costs were already affecting operations.

In a statement, he said companies were feeling mounting pressure but added that the government “should have every option” available to guide the economy through what he characterized as a challenging period.