Gabriela Women’s Party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas slammed the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) slow rollout of the fuel subsidies meant for farmers, and called on the national government to address the rapidly increasing prices of oil.
“Lahat ng pwedeng gawin, dapat gawin ng gobyerno sa halip na atupagin ang pagpapanalo ng mga manok nito sa halalan. Pero hanggang ngayon, tulog mantika pa rin (The government should do everything it can instead of worrying about its candidates in the elections. Still asleep until now?" posed Rep. Brosas in a press statement on Sunday, March 6.
The national government, last March 4, approved the DA’s proposed P500 million fuel subsidy meant for farmers and fisherfolks amid the rapidly increasing price of fuel.
"Limitado na nga ang saklaw ng pinangakong fuel subsidy, napakabagal pa ng release nito sa transport at agricultural sectors natin. Dapat na kagyat na ilabas na ang P3 billion para dito (The promised fuel subsidy is already limited, and it's being distributed too slowly. P3 billion must be released immediately to address the issue),” she said.
Meanwhile, a major fuel price hike is expected to take place on March 8, with gasoline projected to increase by up to P3.50 per liter and diesel up to P5.50 per liter.
Brosas further urged the national government to finally suspend the excise tax on petroleum products under the 2018 Tax Reform Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Act, and to review the 1998 Oil Deregulation Law which reduced government control over fuel price regulation.
"Malacanang must urgently call for a special session to tackle and fast-track the approval of the proposed suspension of TRAIN Law excise tax, and for Oil Deregulation Law to be reviewed," she added.
The 1987 constitution rules that only the President can call for a special session of Congress during House recess held in respect to the upcoming 2022 polls.
"We have reached an unprecedented oil price shock in history, which is more than enough reason for thousands of women to protest on the streets. March 8 will be a massive indignation over rising prices of oil and basic commodities," Brosas concluded.