Legarda: Stop massive fish imports, support local fishers with VAT suspension on fuel

Senator Loren Legarda warned that the Department of Agriculture’s plan to import 300,000–350,000 metric tons of fish is misplaced at a time when fuel costs are already crippling local fishing communities, stressing that government must prioritize direct support through VAT suspension on fuel.

“Hindi natin puwedeng ipagpalit ang ating mga mangingisda sa imported na isda. Habang sila’y hindi makalaot dahil sa mahal ng krudo, ang gobyerno ay nagbabalak na umangkat. Ang kailangan nila ay tulong, suporta sa kabuhayan, at agarang ginhawa […]

Legarda: There are Bills Filed to Suspend VAT—Will the Palace Support Them?

Senator Loren Legarda on Wednesday urged Malacañang to take a clear stand on the suspension of value-added tax (VAT) on fuel, following statements that such a move requires an act of Congress.

“Madaming panukalang batas para pansamantalang ibaba o isuspinde ang koleksyon ng VAT. Nag-file na ako noon at nag-refile pa ako ulit ngayon. Ang tanong ngayon: susuportahan ba? I-cecertify ba na urgent? Kung hindi, malinaw na hindi ito prayoridad at ang gusto ng gobyerno ay tuloy-tuloy na buwisan ang krisis.” […]

Legarda: Don’t tax the crisis; the problem is rising costs, not lost revenue

Senator Loren Legarda said the government should not continue taxing fuel during a time of rising oil prices and then justify it as necessary to fund assistance, stressing that relief should come from lowering costs at the source rather than collecting more from the same crisis.

The Senator emphasized that the current situation is fundamentally a cost-driven crisis, with fuel prices directly affecting agriculture, transport, and the prices of basic goods.

“Ang VAT ay buwis sa pagkonsumo ng produkto. Pero kapag petrolyo […]

Legarda calls for diesel, gas tax suspension as relief remains unfelt

Senator Loren Legarda on Monday called for the immediate suspension of fuel excise tax and value-added tax (VAT) on diesel and gasoline, warning that government response has been too slow and risks arriving too late for millions of Filipinos already struggling to cope with rising prices.

This follows the April 13, 2026 press conference of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., where he announced the suspension of excise taxes on LPG and kerosene. He also noted that the possible suspension of excise […]

Bayanihan 3: Legarda calls for nationwide response, proposes time-bound crisis tax package

As the 2026 global oil crisis pushes up the cost of fuel, electricity, food, and other essentials, Senator Loren Legarda has filed Senate Bill No. 2020, or the Bayanihan 3: Power to the People Act, a comprehensive emergency bill that pairs immediate relief for ordinary Filipinos with a temporary, crisis-specific revenue package. Among its key features is a one-time wealth levy on ultra-high-net-worth individuals, designed to ensure that those most capable of absorbing the shock contribute more, but only for […]