BBM Vlog on Feb. 1, 2026. Screen grabbed from Pres. Bongbong Marcos Jr’s video/Facebook.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. may issue an order to suspend or reduce excise taxes on petroleum products by April 12 or 13, a Department of Finance official told senators on Thursday.
Finance Undersecretary Karlo Adriano said the timeline depends on the 15 day period required after the law’s publication and effectivity. He noted that the earliest issuance of an executive order would fall within the mid April window.
The authority stems from Republic Act No. 12316, which the President signed on March 25, granting him the power to adjust fuel excise taxes.
Under the law, two conditions must be met before any adjustment is implemented. These include the average Dubai crude oil price reaching at least 80 dollars per barrel for one month and a recommendation from the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC).
Adriano said the oil price threshold has already been reached, satisfying one of the requirements.
He added that the DBCC is set to meet to finalize its recommendation, which is expected to be submitted to the President next week.
Senator Bam Aquino urged government agencies to act swiftly, noting that the measure was prioritized and certified as urgent.
Adriano assured lawmakers that the recommendation would be ready before the law takes effect, allowing the President to decide on the possible suspension or reduction of fuel excise taxes within the expected timeframe.
