The 80% revolt! Aquino vows to smash fuel taxes as working families face ruin

MANILA — Sen. Bam Aquino appealed to the national government on Labor Day to extend critical economic relief to the working and middle class who remain excluded from state subsidies despite soaring costs of fuel and basic goods.

The lawmaker highlighted that these segments constitute 80 percent of the Filipino population and serve as the backbone of the domestic economy.

Aquino noted that while these workers are most affected by inflation and high petroleum prices, they often do not receive the financial assistance typically reserved for the poorest sectors.

The senator emphasized that the welfare of the working class must become a primary priority for the administration during periods of economic crisis.

To alleviate the financial burden on families, Aquino reiterated his proposal to halt the collection of excise taxes on diesel and gasoline.

He also advocated for a reduction of the value-added tax on various goods and services from 12 percent down to 10 percent.

The proposed reduction is detailed in Senate Bill No. 2047, which seeks to amend several sections of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997.

Aquino previously co-authored Republic Act No. 12316, a law granting the president emergency powers to suspend or lower fuel excise taxes.

Shortly after taking office in July 2025, the senator also introduced Senate Bill No. 265 to permanently remove excise taxes on kerosene, LPG, fuel oil, and unleaded gasoline.

These initiatives are part of a broader 10-point legislative agenda titled “Panukalang Batas para sa Abot-Kayang Pamumuhay,” designed to lower living costs and increase household income.

The agenda includes a proposed P200 daily wage increase for private sector workers, excluding those employed by small businesses.

Another measure seeks to eliminate the 12 percent value-added tax on electricity sales to reduce monthly utility bills for residents and small enterprises.

Aquino also proposed raising the annual income tax exemption threshold from P250,000 to P480,000 to boost the take-home pay of employees.

For the healthcare sector, he filed a bill to increase the minimum base pay of government nurses from Salary Grade 15 to Salary Grade 19.

The senator further moved to abolish travel taxes for Filipinos and ASEAN nationals traveling within the region to make regional trips more affordable.

His “CARE” Bill aims to provide a P1,000 monthly social pension to senior citizens who currently receive little to no pension support.

A healthcare initiative in the package proposes one free comprehensive medical check-up per year for every Filipino through PhilHealth.

Aquino also introduced the Barangay Workers Act to provide standardized salaries and social protection for local volunteers and health workers.

The legislative package includes the Profit Sharing Act, which creates a framework for voluntary wealth-sharing between employers and their staff.

Additionally, the senator is pushing for the national budget to directly fund electricity subsidies and discounts to ensure transparency without burdening non-beneficiary consumers.