PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is set to issue a request to Congress to grant him emergency powers to reduce the fuel excise tax as part of the government’s efforts to cushion the impact of rising fuel prices.
In an interview with reporters in New York City, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro said Marcos will be sending his request at the soonest possible time.
“Yes, according to (Department of Energy) Secretary (Sharon) Garin. We have spoken to them. We are in contact and this call will be made,” Castro said in Filipino.
The president earlier said he is considering exercising emergency powers to reduce the excise tax on petroleum products if oil prices reach or exceed $80-per-barrel mark. Oil prices have since breached the $100-per-barrel mark as the war in the Middle East widened.
The proposed measure would be temporary and would be authorized by Congress.
Castro also said the Palace has been made aware of the 54 gasoline stations that prematurely raised their fuel prices despite the DOE’s earlier announcement that there were no price increases in the past week.
“The DOE has issued a show-cause order to these 54 gas stations so we can prove whether or not they violated the call not to increase gasoline prices. If it is proven that they have committed fraudulent acts, they can have their transaction permits canceled,” Castro said.
The official warned profiteers seizing the opportunity to jack up oil prices that the law will go after them for their fraudulent actions.
“The president’s call is for us to unite [given what is] happening in the Middle East. We must unite and work together. We do not need to tear each other down,” Castro said.
“And to those people, you should not take advantage (of the situation). What the president wants is for us to work together. If you take advantage, you will be in trouble. You will be sued and you may lose the opportunity to do business,” she added.
