Members of various organizations and the Makabayan Coalition launched separate protests on April 1 to oppose the nearly simultaneous increases in LRT fares and water rates. These additional charges result from decades-long privatization policies that commercialized services.

“Today is April Fools, but the people will no longer be fooled by the Marcos Jr government and its continued silence on the grievances of the people,” Bayan Muna Party stated. “Services should be for the people, not for profit!” according to the groups.

In Manila, workers, students, and urban poor gathered at Monumento LRT-1 Station to condemn the fare hike starting on April 2. Protesters included Kadamay secretary general and Makabayan senatorial candidate Ka Mimi Doringo. Joining her was Kilusang Mayo Uno’s Jerome Adonis and Valenzuela District 2 candidate councilor Leticia Castillo.

“It’s not a prank! The LRT fare will truly increase again tomorrow,” she said. “Another added burden. We’re already struggling with rising prices of goods, and now this fare hike is added. As a commuter, I oppose this LRT fare increase! Public transportation is a service and should not be made into a business.”

Commuters from Camanava (Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela), which has a large population of residents and workers relying on the LRT, are among those opposing the fare hike. Monumento Circle in Caloocan City, where the final LRT terminal station is located, serves as a transport hub with routes leading to inner Camanava areas and other parts of NCR and Central Luzon.

“The fare hike imposed by local comprador bourgeoisie and foreign capitalists is unjust as Camanava residents currently face various rising prices,” said Camanava residents.

Meanwhile, Kabataan Partylist condemned Malacañang for the excuse that the Marcos regime has “no choice” regarding the fare hike due to contract obligations with the company.

“We are the ones deprived of a choice on fare prices as we are held hostage by the government’s toxic privatization contract with LRMC. But shouldn’t the government have no choice but to defend commuters?” Kabataan Partylist first nominee Atty. Renee Co asked. She pointed out that tuition fees in many universities along the LRT route have also increased simultaneously.

“Students in U-belt are miserable. Tuition hike struck and now there’s a fare hike on top of it. Do something, Marcos Jr! The entire nation should benefit from accessible services; this should be the government’s reponse,” she said.

In Quezon City, Bayan Muna members gathered in front of the MWSS Regulatory Office to condemn this month’s water rate increase and call for #NoToWaterRateHike. Water rates are set to rise by ₱4-₱5 per cubic meter after MWSS’ approval.

“We toil for our children’s survival; please don’t turn public services into businesses,” Aling Lourdes, a rally participant, said. She added that even with her family’s combined salaries, they can’t cope due to high prices of goods.

On March 30, Bayan Muna also protested against an oil price increase of up to ₱1.40/liter implemented on Tuesday, March 31.

“Our demands are simple: immediately remove VAT to lower fuel prices,” Bayan Muna urged. On March 31, Bayan Muna submitted a letter to the Department of Energy (DOE) to demand its implementation of the Supreme Court’s 2024 decision regarding price unbundling and requiring oil companies to disclose their basis for setting prices.

“Where exactly do these (increases) go? What is their basis? One peso? Two pesos? Three pesos increase? They need to explain this,” Bayan Muna second nominee Atty. Kaloi Zarate said.