Transport groups to file consolidated petition vs excise tax hike on fuel

Pasang Masda President Obet Martin on Friday said they would taking part in the filing of a consolidated petition against the excise tax hike on fuel products which was scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2020.

The third and final tranche of the tax hike under the administration's Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law would increase gasoline prices by P1, increase diesel by P1.50, and kerosene by P1, according to Finance Assistant Secretary Tony Lambino.

In an interview on GMA News' Balitanghali, Martin said that different transport groups would be meeting during the first week of January to determine the best course of action.

"Mas malaki po ang impact niyan sapagkat kami ay dinidinig. Kaya ng binaggnit niyo, ito'y isang kosolidadong petisyon ng mga different transport groups and jeepneys kaya binigyan po kami ng parte ng ating board," Martin said.

He also asked for the public's understanding should jeepney fares increase after the implementation of the excise tax next year.

"Kaya kami nahihirapan kung paano namin ipapa-adapt sa ating commuters na nagmamahal sa amin yung adjust na nagagawa namin," Martin explained further.

"Ano po ang aming magagawa naman diyan pag magpatuloy ang pag-taas," he added. — Joahna Lei Casilao/DVM, GMA News