A consumer rights group has called on the national government to suspend the excise tax and value-added tax (VAT) on petroleum products as the mega oil price hike took effect on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.

The Davao Consumer Movement has expressed concern since the rising fuel prices will have a domino effect on the local economy.

“Atoang gipanawagan, ang national government, mga agencies nga i-suspend ang value added tax sa fuel ug excise tax, at least naa’y direct relief sa katawhan kay as we all know, pag mosaka ang fuel sa world market, mag-domino effect dayon kini sa local economy. Ang danger ana, dili makaapas ang mga tao sa ingon aning sitwasyon kay baba ang sweldo unya kanunay nagasaka ang presyo sa gasoline,” Davao Consumer Movement Convenor, Ryan Amper, said.

The group said it is not convinced with some of the government’s measures to address the problem.

“Naa’y mga gihimo nga consideration ang national government, ang upat ka adlaw nga trabaho, mga band-aid solution man gud na, bisan mga subsidies, band-aid tungod sa bigger picture, ang atoang oil industry is deregulated, wala’y control ang gobyerno,” Amper added.

The Department of Energy (DOE) said earlier that is has no authority over fuel pricing unless the Congress amends the Oil Deregulation Law.

DOE, however, said the agency is open to proposals to amend the law.

“I think it will be a welcome change to scrutinize more how the prices are computed. We should limit or make a uniform pricing that is something they can discuss and consider,” DOE Secretary Sharon Garin said.

Amper also explained that the Congress has the power to amend laws such as the TRAIN Law and the Oil Deregulation Law if it wants to.

He also urged lawmakers to avoid political distractions and focus on urgent economic issues.

“Kung gustuhon sa national government, mahimuan man ni og pamaagi. Butang nato, Train Law, Deregulation Law, pwede man i-amend sa Congress kung gustuhon niya kaso mao ng atong panawagan nga likayan ang mas labaw’ng politika sa kongreso sa Senado kay naa’y mas importanteng tutukan,” Amper said.

The mega oil price hike, which began this week, is being implemented gradually by oil companies.

Motorists in Davao City are already feeling the impact of fuel prices that increased between P7 to P24 per liter.

“Katong regular pa ang krudo ma’am wala pa siyay pagsaka ang amoang isang kaadlaw mo-consume mi og usa ka libo unya karon modagan na og 1800 dako gyud siya unta ang katong income makadugang sa amoa,” a jeepney driver, Jacky Jagunos, said.

A working student, who relies on his motorcycle for school and work, also expressed concern.

“Dako gyud siyang impact ma’am uy everyday man gud ko gagamit og motor mabwasan man gud ang akoang adlaw, akoang allowance magtipid na lang gyud,” a working student, Rayven Duran, added.