Ejercito relieved to hear Duterte mulling suspension of fuel excise taxes

Sen. JV Ejercito (File photo by EDWIN BACASMAS / Philippine Daily Inquirer)

Sen. JV Ejercito welcomed the news that President Rodrigo Duterte was considering the suspension of the second round of excise taxes on fuel.

“I am relieved and happy to hear the news that PRRD [President Rodrigo Roa Duterte] is considering suspending the second round of excise taxes on fuel,” Ejercito said in a statement issued on Sunday. “That means the President listens!”

This development came after the Senate majority bloc, which includes Ejercito, wrote a letter to the President asking him support move of both chambers of Congress to suspend any further increases in excise taxes on fuel.

READ: 17 senators ask Duterte to support suspension of excise tax on fuel

“We, the undersigned senators who are supportive of your reform efforts, respectfully solicit your support in a move for both houses of Congress to suspend any further increases in excise taxes on diesel, gasoline, and other petroleum products for 2019 and 2020 as mandated RA 10963 or the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (Train Law),” the letter read.

In a text message to reporters late Sunday, Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III said the President had received the letter and was considering the suspension.

“One of the main purpose of the visit of some Senators to the Palace a few weeks ago was to talk to the President about suspending 2nd round of excise taxes on oil and petroleum for 2019 because of the rising inflation coupled with skyrocketing prices of crude oil in the world market,” Ejercito said. /atm