Senator Win Gatchalian on Sunday reiterated his proposal to suspend the excise tax on diesel, aiming to provide direct relief to public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers amid fluctuating fuel costs.
While acknowledging the government’s decision to keep transport fares steady, Gatchalian stressed the importance of increasing drivers’ take-home pay.
“Naiintindihan ko kung bakit hindi tinataasan ang pamasahe, pero para hindi mahirapan ang ating mga public utility drivers, dapat suspendihin (excise tax on diesel) pa rin para mas malaki ‘yung kanilang take-home pay,” he said in a radio interview.
The senator clarified that his proposal specifically targets diesel, while gasoline taxes could still be subject to further study.
“Ang aking mungkahi ay sa diesel i-suspend. Yung gasolina, puwede natin pang-aralan pa. Sang-ayon ako na patuloy pag-aralan, patuloy i-monitor yung situation,” he added.
His statement follows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s recent removal of excise taxes on LPG and kerosene to ease household expenses. LPGMA founder Arnel Ty estimated that current LPG prices should range between ₱1,455 and ₱1,567.
However, Finance Secretary Frederick Go expressed skepticism about suspending taxes on gasoline and diesel, citing the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC).
He argued that market forces would likely offset any small price drops, and emphasized that the government would instead focus on targeted subsidies for the most affected sectors.
Despite the policy debate, consumers can expect a “big-time” rollback at the pumps this week. Industry sources estimate a decline of up to ₱2.60 per liter for diesel and ₱3.50 per liter for gasoline, attributed to easing tensions in the Middle East and a holding ceasefire.