MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is considering asking Congress for emergency powers that would allow him to reduce excise taxes on fuel products as should the United States and Israel’s war against Iran prolong and worsen. In a media briefing on Tuesday, Marcos said that the country still has sufficient oil reserves that can last up to two months. Marcos also said that the government will also mull providing free bus rides along major routes and freezing fare hikes in transportation hubs. “It will be something that we will dispose of as soon as the crisis is over,” Marcos added. Iran is currently retaliating across the Middle East after the United States and Israel attacked the country.
