Marcos certifies as urgent fuel excise tax billMANILA, Philippines — President Marcos yesterday certified as urgent a measure allowing him to suspend or reduce the excise taxes on petroleum products during national or global emergencies as the Philippines grapples with soaring oil prices caused by the Middle East conflict. If a measure is certified as urgent, it becomes exempted from the rule that a bill can only be approved on final reading three days after it is passed on second reading. Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri said the chamber hopes to finish next week its deliberation on a similar measure soon after the House transmits its approved version. Castro also disputed Vice President Sara Duterte’s claim that the administration is not doing enough to address the impact of the crisis. Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, for his part, called for the release of fuel subsidies for farmers and fisherfolk.

Source: Philippine Star March 12, 2026 16:35 UTC