Makabayan hits P10 fuel subsidy, urges tax suspension

Lawmakers from the Makabayan bloc on Friday said the proposed P10-per-liter fuel subsidy for jeepney drivers would be insufficient to cushion the impact of rising oil prices on Filipino livelihoods.

In a statement, the group expressed concern over Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s apparent reluctance to use executive powers to suspend excise taxes on fuel, which may take effect on April 12 or 13.

The bloc said the subsidy scheme appears designed to limit government spending rather than provide meaningful relief to transport workers and commuters affected by soaring fuel costs.

“This approach is designed to minimize government spending, not to meaningfully relieve public transport workers and the commuting public suffering from the continuing oil crisis and runaway price increases,” the group said.

Makabayan argued that subsidies are only a temporary measure during crises and accused the government of prioritizing revenue collection over substantial relief.

Based on their estimates, the proposed subsidy program would cost between P4.8 billion and P5.2 billion over a four-month period.

“We reject the logic that drivers and commuters must shoulder the burden so the state can maintain inflated tax intake,” the lawmakers said.

“They punish the poor and working people every time they ride to work, deliver goods, bring produce to markets, or simply keep daily life moving,” they added.

The bloc called for legislative action to address the volatility of the deregulated oil market, including the suspension of excise taxes.

Earlier, Sharon Garin said the President is expected to decide next week on whether to suspend the fuel excise tax, a move that could lower pump prices by around P10 per liter.