Senator Bam Aquino has urged the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) to immediately implement Republic Act No. 12316, which allows the suspension or reduction of excise taxes on petroleum products.
Under the law, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. may suspend or reduce excise taxes upon the DBCC’s recommendation and in coordination with the Energy Secretary, particularly when Dubai crude oil prices reach or exceed $80 per barrel for a continuous month.
“Nagmadali kami para mapasa iyong batas na iyan. Sana po madaliin niyo rin iyong pag-implement nung batas,” Aquino stressed, noting that the Senate fast-tracked the measure after it was certified urgent by the President.
He called on the DBCC to convene promptly to trigger the tax relief mechanism:
“Please convene the DBCC para ma-trigger na iyong pagbaba ng excise tax,” he said, emphasizing the need to ease the burden on Filipinos affected by rising fuel costs.
Aquino also highlighted the need for a more efficient system in distributing financial aid to transport workers, citing delays and inconsistencies that disrupt daily operations:
“Alam ko may kanya-kanya kayong mga responsibilidad, pondo at lahat, but we need to have a consolidated approach here. Posibleng nagdodoble iyong tulong o posibleng akala natin nasa kabilang listahan, iyon pala wala sa listahan,” he explained.
“Kasi kahit iyong pagtanggap ng pera, posibleng nakakaantala doon sa pang-araw-araw na pamamasada po nila,” he added.
His appeal follows complaints from transport group Manibela, led by president Mar Valbuena, over delays in cash aid distribution, with some drivers waiting hours or being excluded from beneficiary lists.
Aquino stressed that coordinated government action is essential to ensure timely support and to protect consumers and transport workers amid rising fuel costs.