Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito on Monday, March 2 called on lawmakers to expedite the passage of the bill mandating the automatic suspension of excise taxes on petroleum products.

Ejercito made the call in light of the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East involving the United States, Israel and Iran which is threatening to push oil prices even higher.

This, amid reports that local oil firms are gearing for another round of fuel price increases, marking the 10th straight week of diesel hikes.

Industry players have also warned of a significant upward price adjustment next week if the Middle East conflict involving the US-Israel and Iran does not subside.

“It is clear that the first to be hit by the increase in crude oil prices are ordinary Filipinos - our drivers, the farmers, the small businesses, and every family that relies on daily income,” Ejercito said.

“When oil prices increase, it has a domino effect, increasing fares, food prices, and other basic necessities,” he warned.

Ejercito earlier filed Senate Bill No. 5 which seeks to automatically suspend the imposition of excise tax on regular gasoline, unleaded premium gasoline, and diesel fuel oil when the average Dubai crude oil price based on Mean of Platts Singapore reaches or exceeds USD 80 per barrel.

“By establishing a clear and automatic trigger, this measure provides timely and predictable relief in times of extraordinary fuel price surges. It is a crucial step toward easing the burden on our constituents, especially low-income households and small businesses, who are most affected by fuel cost volatility,” the senator said in the explanatory note of the bill.

Under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law or Republic Act No. 10963, excise tax of P10 per liter is imposed on gasoline, P6 per liter on diesel, and P3 per liter on kerosene.

But also under the TRAIN Law, the Department of Finance (DOF) may only recommend the suspension of the increase of the excise tax on fuels but not the imposition of the tax itself, making legislative action necessary.

While the government has allocated fuel subsidies for public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and operators, as well as assistance for farmers and fisherfolk, Ejercito emphasized that subsidies alone may not be enough to shield Filipinos from the continued impact of rising fuel prices.

“Our people need a practical and immediate solution when faced with unforeseen events such as the recent developments in the Middle East that impact their daily lives and livelihood,” he stressed.

Moreover, Ejercito also lamented the recent death of a Filipino caregiver in Israel amid the ongoing Middle East crisis, and said that the tragedy underscores the real and present dangers many migrant workers face abroad.

“We extend our prayers to her family and to all our kababayans in affected areas.”

He issued a firm call to concerned government agencies, particularly the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and Philippine embassies to exert maximum effort and mobilize all available resources to protect and assist the country’s overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

“The action cannot be half-hearted. It must be complete, fast, and compassionate. Deliver immediate aid, ensure their safety, and provide sustained support to those in affected areas,” he said.