Senator Bam Aquino is calling for the removal of the value-added tax (VAT) and excise tax on gasoline and diesel, citing the impact of rising fuel prices on Filipino consumers and businesses.

Aquino said the burden of higher fuel prices is not limited to wealthy Filipinos, but also affects the middle class and low-income households through higher costs of goods and services.

“Alam naman natin patuloy yung pagtaas ng presyo ng petrolyo sa ating bansa. At yung apektado dyan, lahat ng Pilipino, hindi lang yung mayayaman,” Aquino said.

He said higher fuel costs are also affecting the transport sector, delivery riders, farmers, fishermen, small producers and entrepreneurs.

Aquino noted that Congress had previously granted President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. authority to suspend VAT and excise taxes on petroleum products until the end of the year.

He urged the administration to exercise that authority as a measure to ease the financial burden on consumers.

“At kami po, dito po sa aming opisina, nananawagan po kami, gamitin na po yan, tanggalin na po yung VAT at excise tax sa petrolyo para makita naman po natin konting lunas, konting tulong sa ating mga kababayan,” Aquino said.