Amidst the looming inflation brought about by the constant increase in the price of fuel which has pushed up the prices of basic commodities, Quezon City lawmaker and Deputy Majority Leader Bong Suntay has filed a resolution urging President Duterte to suspend the imposition of excise tax on fuel and other petroleum products under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law.
In House Resolution 2318, Deputy Majority Leader Jesus “Bong” Suntay appealed to President Rodrigo Duterte to suspend the imposition of excise tax on petroleum products immediately and for as long as the cost of fuel is high. The proposed suspension of excise tax on fuel products can help Filipinos save the amount of P10.00 for gasoline, P6.00 for diesel and kerosene, and P3.00 per kilo on an 11-kg LPG cylinder.
Rep. Suntay said that the Filipino people have yet to recover from the economic hardship brought about by the COVID 19 Pandemic. As we now slowly open our economy by slowly lifting the various restrictions implemented by both the National and Local Government Units the continued increase of the cost of fuel has placed an additional burden on the common Filipino. He expressed concern over consumers, especially the public utility vehicle operators and drivers, who are struggling to meet the price hikes and the domino effect it has on the prices of basic commodities.
“The needs of the Filipino people must come first, and our most impoverished citizens cannot endure the continued price hikes much longer,” Rep. Suntay said. He added, “I appeal to the President to give the citizens a much-needed break.”