Malacañang is looking at both the possibility of suspending the excise tax on fuel and giving fuel subsidies to the public transport sector amid the soaring prices of petroleum.
Thus said Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque in a virtual press conference Monday, Oct. 25.
"As we speak po pinagpupulungan itong bagay na ito (these matters are being discussed). Kinu-konsidera po ang parehong proposals (both proposals are being considered)," Roque said.
Both private motorists and public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers are reeling from successive fuel price increases for two months now. The two proposals are seen as the best ways to give the Filipinos immediate relief.
"Government is heeding and we are evaluating po," Roque assured. However, he didn't give a timeline for when a decision can be reached.
Suspending the excise tax on fuel is expected to reduce pump prices by at least P8 per liter.
Last week, the Palace promised that it would find ways to assist the PUV drivers who are struggling to make ends meet due to the weekly pump price hikes.