MANILA, Philippines — Senator Bam Aquino has urged the government to eliminate the value-added tax (VAT) and excise duties on diesel and gasoline, pointing out that continuous pump price hikes are straining Filipino households and various business operations.
According to Aquino, the financial squeeze from elevated fuel costs extends far beyond affluent citizens, worsening expense pressures for low-income families and middle-class households through price increases on basic goods and services.
“Alam naman natin patuloy yung pagtaas ng presyo ng petrolyo sa ating bansa. At yung apektado dyan, lahat ng Pilipino, hindi lang yung mayayaman,” Aquino said.
The lawmaker highlighted that key sectors—such as public transportation, delivery workers, agriculture, fisheries, and small-scale entrepreneurs—are suffering from elevated fuel costs.
He reminded the administration that Congress granted President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. the power to suspend petroleum excise duties and VAT until year-end, pressing executive officials to implement the provision.
“At kami po, dito po sa aming opisina, nananawagan po kami, gamitin na po yan, tanggalin na po yung VAT at excise tax sa petrolyo para makita naman po natin konting lunas, konting tulong sa ating mga kababayan,” Aquino said.