Isko appeals to Congress to consider 50% fuel tax cut

Presidential candidate and Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno on Tuesday appealed to Congress to consider his call for a 50 percent cut on the fuel excise tax, a proposal he first put forward last year.

The Aksyon Demokratiko bet had repeatedly appealed to the government to cut the tax as oil prices were expected to keep rising amid the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.

“Kung may panahon pa sa Kongreso nananawagan din tayo na yung pino-propose natin na 50% tax cuts sa krudo at 50% tax cuts sa kuryente, kumbaga magpalugi muna tayo bilang gobyerno sa pagkalap ng buwis pero siya namang maibabalik natin na savings sa bawat pamilyang Pilipino,” he said in a statement.

(I call on Congress to consider my proposal for 50% tax cuts on oil and 50% tax cuts on electricity. Let the government suffer some losses that will be recouped as savings for every Filipino family.)

“But for now, I can only suggest wala naman tayo sa posisyon na bigyan ng direktiba yung ating mga mambabatas,” he added.

(But for now, I can only over suggestions. We are not in a position to issue directives.)

On Monday, Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp., Chevron Philippines Inc. (Caltex), and Seaoil Philippines Inc. said they would increase the prices per liter of gasoline by P3.60, kerosene by P4.10, and diesel by P5.85. — DVM, GMA News