PRESIDENTIAL aspirant Sen. Manny Pacquiao yesterday urged fellow lawmakers to speed up action on proposed measures to soften the impact of the global oil price hike.
The PROMDI Party standard bearer announced his willingness to take time off from his presidential campaign to work with colleagues in the Senate and in the Lower House in a special session to craft legislative initiatives aimed at reining in fuel prices and its effect on the cost of prime commodities.
Pacquiao said among the measures that deserve urgent attention are the proposals to suspend the Value Added Tax and excise taxes imposed on fuel products, or both.
He also called for an immediate evaluation by labor officials if an adjustment of minimum wage is possible to cushion the expected increase in prices of food and other basic goods.
The retired eight-division boxing champ was among the first to suggest the holding of a special session of Congress to address the oil price hike, appealing to President Duterte last February 21 to lend presidential imprimatur.
“In the short term, we may have to suspend VAT and excise taxes (on fuel). That would provide some cushion for consumers. Second, if government funds allow, perhaps a subsidy package for the people,” he said.
While admitting that attending the special session would mean skipping the campaign, Pacquiao said he is aware of the urgency of addressing a looming fuel crisis and is willing to sacrifice his campaign sorties.
“This too is for our country. We have to prioritize the more urgent needs of the people,” he said.
Pacquiao was in Porac, Pampanga yesterday to meet with leaders and residents of an Aeta community who welcomed him as the first presidential candidate to pay them a visit them and personally hear their grievances.
