Gov’t must be flexible in addressing prices of commodities — Angara

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Sonny Angara hopes for government flexibility in addressing the prices on commodities in the country.

Angara on Wednesday aired this sentiment after President Rodrigo Duterte approved the second round of fuel excise tax hike in 2019.

According to Angara, the excise tax issue is not only about the prices of fuel but of the goods itself.

“Sana flexible din sila… if they see that prices don’t go down, sana they’re flexible enough to actually change their mind again kung prices don’t go down,” Angara said in an interview with ABS CBN News Channel.

“That’s what we are concerned about, it’s not just the price of fuel nga, it’s the price of goods,” he added.

The approval of Duterte for the implementation of the second round of fuel tax increases starting next month was confirmed by Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno.

READ: Duterte approves 2nd round of fuel excise tax hike in 2019

“The President and the Cabinet approved the implementation of the law,” he said in a text message.

Under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law, an additional levy of P2.24 per liter should be imposed for diesel and gasoline starting January 1.

The additional duty consists of P2 excise tax and 24 centavos value-added tax (VAT).  /muf