Amid recent rumors regarding his health, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. spent the week implementing fiscal interventions and policy reforms aimed at lowering the cost of living for Filipinos.
On April 16, the President signed Executive Order (EO) 114, which suspends excise taxes on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and kerosene for the next three months.
The move follows recommendations from the Development Budget Coordination Committee to ease the burden of rising global energy costs.
The Department of Energy confirmed that Dubai crude oil prices have remained above the threshold that triggers the suspension mechanism under Republic Act 12316, which allows temporary tax relief when global oil prices are significantly elevated.
Impact on Consumers
- LPG: Approx. ₱3.36 per kg reduction, nearly ₱37 off a standard tank.
- Kerosene: ₱5.60 per liter price drop.
The measure will be subject to monthly review to ensure alignment with global oil prices and domestic supply conditions.
Strategic Reforms
Beyond energy relief, the President’s agenda this week also focused on food affordability and strengthening government integrity. These actions form part of a broader strategy to stabilize the economy amid geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions.
In addition to fiscal measures, Marcos prioritized anti-corruption and anti-disinformation efforts to ensure transparent governance and accurate public information.