Marcos Eyes Emergency Powers to Slash Fuel Excise Tax — Here's What It Means for Your Gas Bill

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is making a major move to ease the pain at the pump. The Palace confirmed that Marcos will formally ask Congress to grant him emergency powers allowing him to temporarily reduce the excise tax on petroleum products — a step that could bring some much-needed relief to Filipino consumers reeling from skyrocketing fuel prices.

Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro, speaking from New York City, confirmed that the President has been in close coordination with Department of Energy Secretary Sharon Garin. According to Castro, the formal request to Congress will be sent "at the soonest possible time." The trigger? Oil prices hitting or exceeding the $80 per barrel mark.

The proposed measure would be temporary and requires congressional authorization — meaning both chambers would need to act quickly para agad ma-feel ng mga Pilipino ang relief. The move comes as global oil prices continue their rapid climb, driven by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East that has disrupted energy markets worldwide.

This isn't the first time the government has floated excise tax suspension — similar calls were made during past oil crises — but it's the first time Marcos himself has signaled readiness to go the emergency powers route. The Palace is clearly feeling the pressure, especially after 54 gas stations were caught prematurely hiking prices even without official price adjustments from the DOE.

For everyday Filipinos, the question now is how fast Congress can act. With fuel costs affecting everything from transportation to food prices, every day of delay hits wallets harder. Stay tuned — this one's going to move fast.

Source: The Manila Times