Econ managers urged to advise Marcos on fuel excise tax cut

The country's economic managers should recommend to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. a broader suspension of fuel excise taxes to provide wider relief from rising oil prices, a lawmaker said Wednesday.

During a joint hearing of the House Legislative Energy Action and Development (LEAD) committee, Cagayan de Oro 2nd District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez pressed the Department of Energy and the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) to advise the President on slashing fuel excise taxes.

“We are asking the Department of Energy and the Development Budget Coordination Committee to advise the President,” Rodriguez said.

The lawmaker expressed disappointment over the administration’s decision to suspend excise taxes only on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and kerosene, saying the move falls short of providing broader relief.

Rodriguez argued that existing fuel subsidies primarily benefit the transport sector and leave out the middle class, which he said makes up about 45% of the population.

“Why not just suspend excise taxes and help everyone? That is what should be done,” he said.

He also called for the inclusion of diesel and gasoline in the tax suspension, noting that the current policy, which took effect on April 9, covers only LPG and kerosene.

“I appeal to our President to do what is needed. What we need is the suspension of excise taxes, especially on diesel and gasoline, to help everyone in this country,” Rodriguez added.

On Monday, Marcos announced the removal of excise taxes on LPG and kerosene in response to high fuel prices.—MCG, GMA News