Marcos to LGUs: End 'pass-through' fees for goods vehicles

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday reiterated his call for local government units (LGUs) to halt the collection of ‘pass-through fees’ on vehicles transporting goods, despite a 2023 executive order suspending such charges.

In a video message, the President said he received reports that some barangays are still charging these fees.

“Muli, nananawagan ako sa ating mga local government unit na siguruhing wala ng pass-through fee na sisingilin. Nakarating sa akin na may ilang pang mga barangay na naniningil pa rito sa bawat sako ng palay at sasakyan,” Marcos said.

(Once again, I am calling on our local government units to ensure that no more pass-through fees are collected. It has come to my attention that some barangays are still charging fees for every sack of rice and every vehicle.)

“Sana matigil na ninyo po ito dahil ang epekto lamang nito ay pinapamahal ang presyo ng ating mga bilihin.”

(I hope you stop this because its only effect is to raise the prices of our commodities.)

Executive Order No. 41 prohibits all LGUs from collecting toll fees or charges on motor vehicles transporting goods or merchandise while passing through any national roads, as well as roads not constructed or funded by them.

The EO noted that unauthorized pass-through fees significantly increase transportation and logistics costs, which are often passed on to consumers.

Further, Marcos called on government agencies to review their requirements to ease the public’s burden.

“Sa lahat ng ahensya ng pamahalaan, repasuhin ang mga patakaran ukol sa lisensya, permit, clearance, certification. Tingnan ninyo kung alin dito ang puwede munang suspendihin o 'di kaya ay babaan ang mga singil upang makabawas sa mga iniintindi ng taong-bayan,” he said.

(To all government agencies: review policies regarding licenses, permits, clearances, and certifications. See which can be temporarily suspended or have fees reduced to lessen the public’s burden.)

The President also reminded public schools to avoid collecting fees for graduation.

“Bawal pa rin ang mga bayarin o kontribusyon na sisingilin sa mga mag-aaral sa mga pampublikong paaralan, lalo na ngayong panahon ng graduation,” Marcos said.

(Fees or contributions collected from students in public schools remain prohibited, especially during graduation season.)

Oil price measures

In the same video, Marcos outlined government actions to cushion the impact of rising oil prices amid tensions in the Middle East.

The President said the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) will provide fuel subsidies to farmers and fisherfolk.

“Upang matulungan ang mga magsasaka at mangingisda, ipagpapatuloy ng DA ang pamimigay ng P3,000 na fuel subsidy sa ating mga magsasaka. Mahigit 26,000 magsasaka ang mabibigyan nito,” Marcos said.

(To help farmers and fisherfolk, the DA will continue distributing P3,000 fuel subsidies to over 26,000 farmers.)

“Para naman po sa mga mangingisda, ang BFAR ay magbibigay sa Huwebes, March 19, ng P3,000 na fuel subsidy sa higit na 26,000 mangingisda,” he added.

(As for the fisherfolk, the BFAR will provide a P3,000 fuel subsidy to more than 26,000 fishermen this Thursday, March 19.)

He also said the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines is expected to reduce passenger service charges, landing fees, parking fees, and other airport fees.

“Ito ay makakatulong para bumaba ang gastos ng mga airline at ang mga pamasahe sa eroplano,” Marcos said.

(This will help lower airline expenses as well as airfares.)

“Samantala, pinaiikli naman ng Civil Aeronautics Board ang araw ng pagre-review ng fuel surcharge mula sa isang buwan, 15 days na lang po. Mas mabilis na ma-adjust ang pamasahe kapag nagbago ang presyo ng jet fuel.”

(Meanwhile, the Civil Aeronautics Board is shortening the review period for fuel surcharges from one month to just 15 days, allowing fares to be adjusted more quickly when jet fuel prices change.)

Marcos also encouraged the public to take advantage of free rides through the Love Bus Program in Metro Cebu, Metro Davao, and Metro Manila.

Earlier, Marcos certified as urgent a measure seeking to amend the Biofuels Act of 2006.

In a letter to Congress dated March 16, he said the urgent certification aims to mitigate the impact of rising fuel prices amid escalating geopolitical tensions and global oil market volatility.—MCG, GMA Integrated News