The nationwide transport strike in the Philippines, now in its third day, has taken a heartbreaking turn after veteran jeepney driver Elmer Cordero collapsed from a stroke while leading protests in Caloocan City. Now in a coma, the 78-year-old has become a poignant symbol of the desperation felt by transport workers who are struggling to survive as fuel prices continue to skyrocket. Drivers across the country have been calling on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to suspend excise taxes on diesel and gasoline, arguing that current costs have made it impossible for them to earn a living since global conflicts disrupted oil markets.

Transport groups and commuters alike are voicing intense frustration, pointing the finger directly at the government for its refusal to intervene. With reports indicating that an additional 20% of public transport drivers have been forced off the roads due to the unmanageable financial burden, the strain on daily commuters is growing rapidly. While President Marcos has resisted calls for tax suspensions, citing a potential daily revenue loss of P400 million, critics argue that his inaction is prioritizing state income over the immediate survival of citizens who feel exploited by oil companies while the administration remains stagnant.