Article by:
Nanette Guadalquiver
BACOLOD CITY – Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson welcomed on Tuesday the increase in the government monthly fuel subsidy for poor Filipino families amid the series of oil price hikes.
“I’m not surprised with the small amount because the problem is really the budget for such purpose. The President (Rodrigo Duterte), whatever or no matter how small the amount is, he will really give it to the people,” he said.
On Monday, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte said he directed Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III to increase the aid to PHP500 from the initial amount of PHP200.
Lacson said he believes the Chief Executive granted even the minimal amount of financial aid because he feels it can somehow help alleviate the situation.
“There is no directive yet but usually the Department of Social Welfare and Development is involved in identifying the recipients. What’s important is the target recipients will receive it,” he added.
In a speech, Duterte said he received feedback “from the ground” that the PHP200 monthly cash aid was “too small” and could not sustain a family of three to five members.
He added it would be up to the next administration where to get a budget for the fuel subsidy.
The President’s move to provide for a monthly fuel subsidy came as he decided to retain the excise tax on different fuel products.
According to the Department of Finance, the suspension of fuel excise taxes would lead to a massive revenue loss of PHP105.9 billion, or about a half-percent of the country’s gross domestic product this year. (PNA)
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