At P300 a day per jeepney, fuel subsidy falls far short of crisis, lawmakers sayMotorists line up at several gasoline stations along major roads in Metro Manila, including Quirino Highway, EDSA in Pasay, and parts of Manila, on March 9, 2026 as fuel prices are expected to surge the following day. This includes a potential P121.4 billion in foregone excise revenue and P14.6 billion in lower VAT collections. The law, signed March 25, allows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to suspend or reduce fuel excise taxes when Dubai crude oil exceeds $80 per barrel for one month. In his video message on Thursday announcing the fuel subsidy and a separate service contracting program for PUV drivers, Marcos made no mention of the excise tax suspension. Excise taxes and VAT on fuel are regressive, the lawmakers argued — they fall hardest on commuters, small operators, and the transport of goods, the same people the subsidy claims to help.

Source: Philippine Star April 11, 2026 03:23 UTC