‘Enough is enough’: Senate bet wants oil tax break amid recurring problem of rising prices

MANILA, Philippines — Saying “enough is enough,” a senatorial candidate joined calls for the government to implement a “tax break” on oil to address the recurring problem of rising fuel prices.

In a statement on Tuesday, former Makati Rep. Monsour del Rosario lamented how the Philippines “has always been on the losing end of any global crisis that marked significant effects on the price of oil.”

“Even before the conflict in Russia and Ukraine or the COVID-19 pandemic happened, prices of basic commodities like fares for public transportation, food, and others have been going up remarkably and ultimately hurting our people,” Del Rosario, who is running for senator under Partido Reporma, said.

“This is a recurring problem but nothing seems to have been done to solve it. I say enough is enough,” he added.

Del Rosario proposed the implementation of a “tax break” on oil products.

“It’s high time that our government acts on this immediately and implement a Tax Break on oil to curb the effects of its rising prices globally. I believe this will help cushion the blow on our kababayans who are struggling to cope with the situation,” he said.

READ: ‘Filipinos are suffering’: Drilon sees no legal obstacle for gov’t to halt fuel excise tax

Several lawmakers have also called for the suspension of excise tax on fuel over soaring fuel prices amid the worsening conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

READ: Carefully study next steps on suspension of fuel excise tax, Villanueva tells gov’t

Del Rosario likewise urged the government to “seriously commit to looking for alternative resources of oil and energy.”

This would make the country “less dependent on imported oil,” he added.

“The world is changing fast and we cannot just sit and wait for the next pandemic or another global crisis to happen. We need to act fast and we need to act now,” the senatorial bet said.

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