Senate Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito on Monday, March 2, called on lawmakers to expedite the passage of a measure mandating the automatic suspension of excise taxes on petroleum products, citing the impact of escalating conflicts in the Middle East involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
Ejercito warned that ordinary Filipinos would be the first to suffer from higher crude oil prices, as local oil firms prepare for another round of fuel price increases — marking the 10th consecutive week of diesel hikes.
“It is clear that the first to be hit by the increase in crude oil prices are ordinary Filipinos — our drivers, the farmers, the small businesses, and every family that relies on daily income,” Ejercito said.
“When oil prices increase, it has a domino effect, increasing fares, food prices, and other basic necessities,” he added.
Ejercito earlier filed Senate Bill No. 5, which seeks to automatically suspend excise taxes on gasoline and diesel when the average Dubai crude oil price based on Mean of Platts Singapore reaches or exceeds $80 per barrel.
“By establishing a clear and automatic trigger, this measure provides timely and predictable relief in times of extraordinary fuel price surges. It is a crucial step toward easing the burden on our constituents, especially low-income households and small businesses, who are most affected by fuel cost volatility,” he explained.
Under the TRAIN Law (Republic Act No. 10963), excise taxes are set at ₱10 per liter for gasoline, ₱6 per liter for diesel, and ₱3 per liter for kerosene. However, the Department of Finance may only recommend suspension of tax increases, not the imposition itself — making legislative action necessary.
Ejercito acknowledged that while subsidies for public utility vehicle drivers, farmers, and fisherfolk are in place, they may not be enough to shield Filipinos from the continued impact of rising fuel prices.
He also lamented the recent death of a Filipino caregiver in Israel amid the Middle East crisis, underscoring the dangers faced by overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
“We extend our prayers to her family and to all our kababayans in affected areas,” he said, urging the Department of Migrant Workers and Philippine embassies to mobilize all available resources.
“The action cannot be half-hearted. It must be complete, fast, and compassionate. Deliver immediate aid, ensure their safety, and provide sustained support to those in affected areas,” Ejercito stressed.