Lacson urges gov’t to review decision on fuel excise tax amid rising oil prices

In his sortie in Maddela town in Quirino on Wednesday (March 16), presidential bet and Senator Panfilo Lacson speaks before 2,000 villagers at the Maddela Gymnasium. | PHOTO: Villamor Visaya Jr.

MADDELA, Quirino—Presidential bet and Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson on Wednesday urged President Duterte to reconsider and review his decision not to suspend the fuel excise tax amid the series of fuel hikes.

At a press conference in this town, Lacson said the national government should go back to the drawing board and find the best solutions to soaring fuel prices.

Earlier, Duterte approved the Department of Finance (DoF) proposal not to suspend the excise tax on fuel products and instead give a P200 monthly subsidy to needy families.

The DoF said providing subsidies is a more equitable response than suspending excise taxes on fuel, which would benefit only “richer people” who have cars.

Lacson said the drivers need help, but the subsidy comes too slowly.

“Kailangan nila ng ayuda pero antagal naman dumating ang subsidy. Hanggang ngayon ‘di pa nakakadistribute,” he said.

In his sectoral meeting with about 2,000 villagers in this town, Lacson urged local government officials to finalize and submit the list of tricycle drivers who can get subsidies from the government.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III did not attend the Maddela meeting as he flew back to Manila to attend a Senate committee hearing.

Lacson said despite the economic crisis and fuel hikes, the temporary suspension was still the best option.

“Hindi naman mandatory suspension. ‘Yung DBCC ( Development Budget Coordinating Committee) will recommend to the President through DoF to suspend the excise taxes,” he said. INQ

Photo Caption:
In his sortie in Maddela town in Quirino on Wednesday (March 16), presidential bet and Senator Panfilo Lacson speaks before 2,000 villagers at the Maddela Gymnasium. (Photo by Villamor Visaya Jr.)

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