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Jeepney drivers in the Philippines report sharp income squeeze as fuel costs rise
Drivers say higher fuel prices tied to a global energy crunch have cut their take-home pay after long shifts.
In the Philippines, long-time jeepney driver Reggie Manlapig, 46, says rising fuel costs have sharply reduced his earnings even after coping with higher prices for years, as costs climb amid a global energy crunch, according to SCMP Economy.
Manlapig, who has driven for nearly 25 years on a daily route from Malolos in Bulacan to San Fernando in Pampanga, said his take-home pay for a 16-hour shift used to be about 400 to 500 pesos, but is now lower after the impact on his income.
He added that doing the full route multiple times in a day is increasingly difficult, and that days without school sessions, holidays, or student break periods are especially hard on earnings, SCMP Economy reported.