The Senate approved on third reading a bill granting President Marcos emergency powers to suspend or reduce fuel excise taxes. It passed with 17 affirmative votes and no negative votes or abstentions. Bicameral talks are expected today before the congressional break.
On Tuesday, the Senate approved on third and final reading a measure granting President Marcos emergency powers to suspend or reduce excise taxes on petroleum products. Certified as urgent, it passed with 17 affirmative votes, no negative votes, and no abstentions. Senate President Vicente Sotto III urged Ways and Means Chairperson Sen. Pia Cayetano to coordinate with her House counterpart, Rep. Miro Quimbo, on reconciling versions, as the House had already approved its bill. “Hopefully, the chairperson would be able to get in touch with her counterpart so we may be able to tackle this tomorrow, if they’re willing to adopt our version or if paper bicam’s possible,” Sotto said during session. Sotto and Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri noted it needs ratification on Thursday, the last session day before a month-long break. After House passage, Quimbo stated, “This passage is not just a victory for the government, but for all ordinary Filipinos, particularly our hardworking middle class, who have been most affected by this crisis and often lack adequate safety nets.” Lawmakers clarified during deliberations that the public will not immediately feel effects, as oil firms must deplete existing taxed inventories first. Cayetano said it could take 30 to 45 days for pump prices to reflect cuts, or sooner if supplies are depleted. The Department of Finance estimates reductions of P11.2 per liter for gasoline and P6.72 for diesel. Malacañang rejected a proposal from the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines for a national emergency declaration. “Right now, we are not in that situation,” said Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro. The government continues talks with oil companies through DOE Secretary Sharon Garin, and Castro urged the public to avoid sowing fear.
