Any suspension of the excise tax on petroleum products by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. would require approval from Congress, officials clarified amid discussions of easing the impact of rising fuel prices, as reported by RH Milky Rigonan.

Marikina Representative Miro Quimbo, chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, explained that the President cannot implement a tax suspension through an executive order alone. Under the Constitution, legislation must be passed by Congress to legally suspend the excise tax.

Quimbo emphasized that the government must act swiftly to mitigate the economic effects of the ongoing Middle East conflict, which could drive up petroleum prices and, in turn, the cost of essential goods and services.

She also stressed that any powers granted must align with the President’s constitutional authority to act in “extraordinary circumstances.”

Earlier, House Speaker Faustino "Bojie" Dy III assured full support from the House of Representatives to work with the Senate and review whether amendments to existing laws are necessary to provide the President with sufficient authority to act.