MARCH 23, 2026 — President Marcos is pushing for the immediate enforcement of the oil excise tax cut, but delays in the bill’s transmission and the government’s balancing act between consumer relief and fiscal stability have left us waiting at the pump. With fuel prices now hovering between ₱80 to ₱100 per liter, the urgency is undeniable.

Malacañang insists that President Ferdinand Marcos wants the excise tax cut “enforced immediately.” Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro explained that the only reason for the delay is that the bill has not yet reached the President’s desk. Once signed, Marcos is expected to issue an order to reduce or suspend the excise tax. 

The law requires global oil prices to breach $80 per barrel for 30 consecutive days before suspension can be triggered. That condition has already been met, with oil prices surging past $100 per barrel amid Middle East tensions.

Experts warn that suspending excise taxes could cost the government over ₱100 billion in lost revenue, money that usually funds priority programs. The administration is hence caught in a balancing act — to provide immediate relief to commuters and drivers, or protect fiscal stability. 

Transport groups like Piston argue that Marcos should have suspended excise and VAT outright instead of tinkering with fare hikes. 

“President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. should have suspended the value-added tax and excise tax on fuel products, instead of the fare hike,” said Piston president Mody Floranda during a nationwide transport strike. 

Meanwhile, the government has rolled out ₱5,000 cash aid for public utility drivers, with a second tranche on the way. For middle-class Filipinos relying on private cars, discounted train fares and free rides are being offered

But let’s be honest … that barely scratches the surface of the pain at the pump.

Everyone is watching whether the government can act decisively in times of crisis. Marcos himself admitted he had “no idea” yet on how much excise tax should be reduced, raising eyebrows about preparedness. The longer the delay, the more we feel the disconnect between urgent rhetoric and sluggish action.

How long must we keep paying the price of delay before the government finally delivers the relief it promised?

(Image: Presidential Communications Office | Facebook)