By I. Inojales | 03:00 PM March 03, 2026
Sen. Bam Aquino on Tuesday called on the government to activate the “kill switch” provision under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (Train) Law to shield Filipinos from soaring fuel prices.
Aquino reminded authorities that the Train Law contains a safeguard that automatically suspends the collection of excise taxes on petroleum products once the average global oil price breaches $80 per barrel for three consecutive months.
The senator said the provision— which he pushed for during the law’s deliberations— was designed to cushion consumers from sharp increases in oil prices, especially amid tensions in the Middle East.
“Sa isinulong nating safeguard sa Train Law, pinapayagan ang automatic suspension ng pangongolekta ng excise tax sa langis kapag lumampas sa $80 kada bariles ang presyo ng langis sa world market,” Aquino said.
He stressed that suspending the excise tax would help ease the impact of looming fuel price hikes. Local oil firms earlier announced increases of P1.90 per liter for gasoline and P1.20 per liter for diesel effective Tuesday.
Aquino warned that higher fuel prices could trigger a domino effect, driving up the cost of food and other basic goods and placing additional strain on Filipino households. He is expected to file a resolution urging the government to implement the safeguard.
In the 20th Congress, Aquino also filed Senate Bill No. 265, which seeks to permanently abolish excise taxes on diesel, kerosene, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), fuel oil, and unleaded gasoline imposed under the Train Law.
“These taxes have contributed to higher fuel prices, which in turn cascade into increased costs for goods and services, disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income Filipinos,” he said.
If enacted, the proposed measure would provide immediate relief to commuters and drivers, particularly operators of diesel-powered jeepneys, buses, and delivery vehicles. It would also lower household expenses for cooking fuel and lighting, especially in poor and off-grid communities, and reduce logistics costs for producers and small businesses.
Aquino added that the measure could help stabilize the prices of basic goods and services amid persistent inflationary pressures.
The senator is also pushing three key measures aimed at easing the cost of living: the Pag-Abolish sa Tax sa Kurudo Bill (SB 265), the Kuryenteng Walang VAT Bill removing the 12% value-added tax on electricity bills, and the proposed Commuters’ Rights and Welfare Act institutionalizing subsidies for commuters and students.
