While there is no specific provision calling for immediate economic relief for the middle class families is stated in the report, Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian said the suspension of the excise tax, as well as the possibility of suspending the value added tax (VAT) may benefit all households. Gatchalian...
The Philippines should engage in a high-level government-to-government negotiations to facilitate procurement efforts of private oil companies in order to ensure the country has enough supply of petroleum, diesel and crude oil. This was part of the recommendation drafted by Sen. Sherwin...
Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan on Tuesday, March 31 announced that the AGRI-AGRA Team has organized a dedicated task force to closely monitor and respond to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. The said team is composed of representatives from the Department of Agriculture (DA), the...
The government should consider suspending or reducing the value added tax (VAT) on fuel products as this can provide immediate and substantial relief to Filipinos burdened by the ongoing oil crisis, Senator Paolo “Bam” Aquino IV said. Aquino made the call during the Proactive Response and...
The Senate Electoral Tribunal (SET) has dismissed the quo warranto petition filed against Senator Erwin Tulfo that sought his removal from the Upper Chamber. In the resolution promulgated on March 2, 2026, the petition was dismissed for being insufficient in form. The petition was filed by Berteni...
Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III said on Wednesday, March 25, that all senators are expected to respond to any special session that President Marcos may call amid the oil crisis caused by the Middle East conflict. "I will if needed. Not at the moment but I’m sure they are aware of...
Some senators on Wednesday, March 25 finally heaved a sigh of relief after President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. finally declared a state of national energy emergency for the Philippines in light of the ongoing oil crisis. “I welcome the President’s declaration of a state of national...
OF TREES AND FOREST Just like everyone else, I 've been watching how the Middle East conflict is unfolding and praying that somehow all the parties involved realize that peace is better than war. The economic ripples of the conflict are already showing up at sari-sari stores, tricycle drivers,...
The government should not forget the middle class Filipinos who also bear the impact of the ongoing fuel crisis, considering that they do not receive any government assistance. Sen. Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito pointed this out during the hearing of the Proactive Response and Oversight for...
The Department of Energy (DOE) has debunked reports there could be widespread brownouts this year due to the ongoing oil crisis brought about by the conflict in the Middle East. DOE Undersecretary Felix “Wimpy” Fuentebella made the assurance during the Senate’s hearing on the Proactive...
Senate leaders have expressed support for studying the possible postponement of the Philippines’ hosting of this year’s ASEAN Summit as part of efforts to cut government spending and redirect funds to address the impact of rising oil prices. Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III said that...
Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III signed on Monday night, March 23, the enrolled bill on the proposed measure allowing the President to suspend and reduce excise taxes on petroleum products. The bill was adopted by the House of Representatives last week. In a Viber message to reporters,...
