The business sector in Davao City has urged the government to act swiftly to address the economic impact of the ongoing crisis triggered by the tensions in the Middle East.
The Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII) expressed concern over the continuous rise in the prices of petroleum products and its direct effects on business costs, pricing, and overall economic stability.
DCCCII is calling for immediate and structural measures, including temporary fuel tax relief, expanded fuel subsidies for public transport, trucking, delivery services, agriculture, fishermen, and MSMEs for at least three months or unit a new excise tax exemption law is enacted.
Recently, President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. signed a law granting him the authority to suspend or reduce excise taxes on petroleum products.
Malacañang said the President may decide on this measure starting on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
The Bureau of Internal Revenue-Davao (BIR-11) said it will implement any directive issued by the national government.
"With the emergency powers na vested sa ating President, of course, kung ano man ang magiging decision ng top management namin, susundan namin 'yun,” BIR-11 Director, Narciso Laguerta, said.
DCCCII is also pushing for the creation of a Davao Fuel and Energy Task Force, along with tax incentives and simplified permits for businesses investing in cost-saving technologies.
The business sector has expressed willingness to coordinate and work closely with the government and stakeholders to implement practical solutions to mitigate the crisis.
Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte has already issued an executive order creating an inter-agency task force to address the impacts of the emergency socioeconomic crisis brought by the continued surge in the prices of petroleum products.
The task force is ordered to formulate and implement response measures to any socioeconomic emergencies, monitor prices of goods and commodities, ensure supply stability, and coordinate recovery programs to restore normalcy in the local economy.
