MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is set to issue a formal 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 would 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 said he was considering exercising emergency powers to reduce the excise tax on petroleum products if oil prices reached or exceeded the $80 per barrel mark.
The proposed measure will be temporary and should be authorized by Congress.
Castro likewise noted that the Palace has been made aware of the 54 gasoline stations who prematurely adjusted their fuel prices despite the DOE’s 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.