The Manila Times
A MAJOR labor organization renewed its demand to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for the immediate suspension of excise taxes and value-added tax (VAT) on fuel, and an increase in wages, saying that soaring prices and stagnant pay are squeezing workers dry. The Federation of Free Workers (FFW) on Monday said that while it welcomes the president’s limited suspension of excise taxes on kerosene and LPG, the move barely scratches the surface. The FFW said the high cost of fuel continues to drive up transportation fares, food costs, and basic goods, while wages remain stuck. “If you have the power, use it. Don’t use the law as a display while prices are skyrocketing and workers’ belts are tightening,” said Ma. Victoria Bellosillo of the FFW Women’s Network. Bellosillo said the oil crisis must not become a government cash cow. “Taxes contribute to order. But it’s a different story when the government makes money during a crisis. When VAT increases due to expensive oil, it’s like a receipt for the people’s suffering,” she said. “As crude oil prices rise, the collection increases. The suffering of workers should not be turned into a piggy bank,” she said. FFW urged the President to use his powers under Republic Act 12316 to expand excise tax relief and press Congress to suspend or cut VAT on petroleum products. At the same time, it called for tighter price controls and stronger action against profiteering. “Tax relief and price control must go hand in hand. Otherwise, the profiteers will just take back the comfort they were given. It’s like being given an umbrella with a hole — there’s still a price to pay,” FFW said. Together with major labor coalitions, FFW is pushing for a legislated P200 daily wage hike nationwide. In Calabarzon, FFW unions are preparing a petition for a P1,200 per day regional minimum wage.
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