Deputy Speaker Rufus Rodirguez of Cagayan de Oro remains optimistic of things: first, that Vice President Leni Robredo will be the next president of the country.

And second, that a Robredo presidency might pave the way for the suspension of excise taxes on fuel which is seen as a way to provide instant relief to Filipino consumers amid the fuel price crisis.

“I am optimistic that the Vice President will win on May 9. We will try to convince her to temporarily suspend fuel taxes while the cost of crude oil in the world market is high due to Covid-19 pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine,” Rodriguez said in a statement Wednesday, March 30.

The representative of Cagayan de Oro’s second district, who is supporting the opposition leader's Palace bid, said Robredo may not be averse to the temporary suspension proposal, judging by her statement on the almost weekly increases in the pump prices of oil products.

News reports have quoted Robredo as saying the situation necessitated a review of pricing structure and tax regulations.

Rodriguez has filed a bill to suspend fuel taxes for four years up to 2025.

He said he could not understand the vigorous opposition of the Department of Finance (DOF) to the temporary tax suspension clamor not only of several lawmakers but of various sectors, including public utility drivers.

He said those in the public transportation sector who are beneficiaries of the government’s targeted financial assistance program feel that such help is not enough.

“They are of the view that shelving excise taxes whenever the cost of crude is high would be more meaningful and would have an across-the-board impact on the population,” the Mindanaoan said.

The current Duterte administration is favoring the release of fuel subsidies over the suspension of fuel excise tax.