Jeepney driver Reggie Manlapig struggles with income loss amid rising fuel costs

Reggie Manlapig, 46, has been driving jeepneys for nearly 25 years and has weathered rising fuel prices – but with costs spiking amid the global energy crunch, he is now wrestling bigger demons.

“The impact has been huge. Before, in a 16-hour shift of driving, I could take home 400 to 500 pesos [US$6.30 to US$8] – now there’s a big cut to that income,” said Manlapig, who plies a two-hour daily round route from Malolos in Bulacan, north of Manila, to San Fernando, Pampanga.

“Doing the full route five times straight in a day really pushes you. Before, three round trips alone would already give you decent earnings – especially on days with no classes, holidays, or student holiday periods; those are especially hard.”