Malacañang on Monday cautioned against the planned two-day transport strike, saying such action is ill-timed given the ongoing instability in the Middle East that continues to pressure global oil markets.
Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro made the statement as transport group Manibela announced it would stage a protest from April 16 to 17 to oppose government measures on rising fuel prices.
“At sa atin po ngayon, sa ating palagay, ang pagho-hold ng transport strike ay hindi napapanahon sa ngayon,” Castro said during a press briefing.
“Hindi po ito makakatulong sa dinaranas po natin dulot ng krisis sa Middle East. Ang kinakailangan po lamang talaga dito ay negosasyon, pag-uusap, pagtutulungan,” she added.
Castro emphasized that cooperation and dialogue are needed rather than disruptions that could further burden commuters and the economy.
The Palace also clarified that while President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has authority under existing law to adjust fuel excise taxes, he does not have the legal power to suspend the value-added tax (VAT) on petroleum products.
This clarification came after transport leaders called for the removal of VAT on fuel.
Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson earlier warned that scrapping VAT could result in a revenue loss of around ₱320 billion.
“Wala pong kapangyarihan ang Pangulo na mag-suspend ng VAT dahil wala pong batas sa ngayon na siya ay binibigyan ng kapangyarihan,” Castro explained.
She added that there may be misconceptions among drivers and operators about what the President can do instantly.
“Baka nagkakaroon po ng misconception at ngayon ay baka nakakarating sa mga transport sectors, sa mga drivers, sa operators na sa isang click ay masu-suspend ng Pangulo ang VAT,” she said.
The Palace reiterated its call for negotiations, stressing that constructive talks are the way forward in addressing the challenges posed by volatile fuel prices.