Speaker Faustino "Bojie" Dy III commits to advancing legislation to alleviate the public impact of rising fuel costs amid Middle East conflict.
The Speaker of the Philippine House of Representatives, Faustino “Bojie” Dy III, announced on March 10, 2026, that the House will prioritize passing bills aimed at mitigating the effects of rising fuel prices. This increase in fuel costs is attributed to ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has disrupted global oil shipments. Dy emphasized that the House will collaborate with the Executive branch to support measures that protect vulnerable sectors such as workers, commuters, farmers, and small businesses. Currently, at least five bills are pending that seek to grant President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. authority to suspend or reduce excise taxes on fuel. The Department of Energy backs at least one such measure, which the House Ways and Means Committee hopes to approve by March 15, before the congressional break on March 18. The Department of Planning and Development indicated that suspending excise taxes could reduce diesel prices by ₱6 per liter and gasoline by ₱10 per liter, providing much-needed relief to consumers amid the energy crisis. The Palace Press Office stated the President would certify these measures as urgent if committee reports are timely submitted. This legislative effort intends to cushion the Filipino public from economic challenges arising from the geopolitical situation abroad, reflecting a concerted government response to global crises impacting local livelihoods.
Sources referenced:
- https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/979393/speaker-bojie-dy-bills-public-costs/story/
