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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Palace to formally seek emergency powers to cut fuel excise tax; warns vs unjust price hikes

Palace to formally seek emergency powers to cut fuel excise tax; warns vs unjust price hikes

Published Mar 9, 2026 09:30 am
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. arrives in New York City for his two-day working visit early Monday morning, March 9, 2026 (Manila time). He is greeted by Ambassador Enrique Manalo, Manila's permanent representative to the United Nations, and Philippine Ambassador to the USA Jose Manuel Romualdez. (Malacañang photo)
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. arrives in New York City for his two-day working visit early Monday morning, March 9, 2026 (Manila time). He is greeted by Ambassador Enrique Manalo, Manila's permanent representative to the United Nations, and Philippine Ambassador to the USA Jose Manuel Romualdez. (Malacañang photo)

Malacañang will formally ask Congress to grant President Marcos emergency powers to reduce fuel excise taxes as part of the government’s response to rising fuel prices amid tensions in the Middle East.

“Yes,” Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro told reporters in New York City when asked if there would be a formal request from the President seeking emergency powers related to fuel taxes.

She added that Department of Energy (DOE) officials have been coordinating with the Palace on the issue.

DOE orders vs. unjustified price hikes

Castro likewise said the DOE has issued show-cause orders against 54 gasoline stations accused of unjustified price increases.

She warned that stations found to have committed violations could face sanctions.

“Kapag po napakita rito na sila po ay may mga fraudulent acts, maaari po silang makanselan ang permit sa kanilang mga transaction (If it is shown that they committed fraudulent acts, their permits for transactions may be canceled),” she said.

‘Magkaisa tayo’

The Palace Press Officer said President Marcos is calling on businesses and the public to work together as global developments continue to affect fuel prices.

“Ngayon po, ang panawagan ng Pangulo ay magkaisa tayo. Kung ano po ang nangyayari ngayon sa Middle East, dapat po tayong magkaisa at magtulungan (Right now, the President’s appeal is for us to unite. Whatever is happening in the Middle East, we must unite and help one another),” Castro said.

“Hindi tayo kinakailangang maghatakan pababa (We do not need to pull each other down),” she added.

Castro warned businesses against taking advantage of the situation.

“Ang gusto po ng Pangulo ay magtulungan tayo. Kapag kayo po ay nagsamantala, meron po kayong kalalagyan (The President wants us to help one another. If you take advantage of the situation, you will face consequences),” she said.

“Kayo ay madedemanda at maaaring matanggalan pa kayo ng pagkakataon na kayo ay makapagnegosyo (You may face charges and could even lose the opportunity to continue doing business),” she added.

Castro reiterated that those who exploit the current situation may face legal action and corresponding penalties.

Related Tags

President Marcos Bongbong Marcos Claire Castro Oil price hike Middle East conflict emergency powers
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