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 […]

From Cagayan farms to Filipino tables: Legarda leads ‘rescue buy’ amid price crisis

As families continue to grapple with soaring prices of food and fuel, Senator Loren Legarda led a “rescue buy” initiative, turning surplus harvest into immediate relief for vulnerable households.

Through her Lingkod Loren program, Legarda again partnered with Rural Rising Philippines (RuRi PH) on April 9 to purchase one ton of cabbages from farmers in Sto. Niño, Cagayan. The vegetables, which were at risk of spoilage because high fuel costs made transport unprofitable, were distributed to families in Barangay Payatas, Quezon […]

Legarda reaffirms true meaning of heroism in tribute to Filipino heroes, Capas commemoration

Senator Loren Legarda called on Filipinos to embrace heroism through discipline, sacrifice, and selflessness while honoring Filipino heroes whose courage secured the nation’s freedom and peace during the Capas Commemoration.

At the Capas National Shrine in Tarlac, site of the Bataan Death March and Camp O’Donnell where thousands of Filipino and American soldiers perished, Legarda joined veterans, families, and local officials on April 10, 2026 for the Tribute to All Filipino Heroes and “Paggunita sa Capas,” with the shrine preserved through […]