By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos | Philippine News Agency
Amid false rumors about his health, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led a series of actions and engagements this week aimed at easing the impact of rising global fuel prices, improving food affordability, and strengthening anti-corruption and anti-disinformation efforts.
The week was marked by fiscal interventions, supply-side reforms, and policy directives as the administration responded to geopolitical tensions, energy supply chain, and food prices.
Marcos signed Executive Order (EO) 114 on April 16, suspending excise taxes on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and kerosene for three months, following recommendations from the Development Budget Coordination Committee.
The Department of Energy certified that Dubai crude oil prices remained above the threshold that triggered the suspension mechanism under Republic Act 12316, which allows temporary fuel tax relief during periods of elevated global oil prices.
The measure is expected to translate into lower household energy costs and will be subject to monthly review, depending on global oil price movements and domestic supply conditions.
The removal of tax is estimated to reduce LPG prices by about P3.36 per kilogram, or nearly P37 reduction per tank, and kerosene by P5.60 per liter.
VAT policy stays
While approving targeted fuel relief, Marcos Jr. maintained that the government would retain value-added tax (VAT) on petroleum products.
“Here’s the thing with the VAT, especially the VAT on oil, on petroleum products. The VAT on petroleum products, we are going to get a windfall profit from that because tumaas ‘yung presyo ng krudo,” Marcos Jr. said in a press briefing with Palace reporters on April 13.
Removing the VAT, he said, would reduce government resources used for broader social support.
“If we take away the VAT on petroleum products, it will only help the petroleum market,” he said.
The President noted that revenues from the VAT are used to fund subsidies and assistance across multiple sectors.
The government has begun implementing the P10 per liter fuel subsidy program for affected sectors, alongside the Service Contracting Program for transport workers and fare discounts for commuters.
Food price interventions rolled out
On top of the transport relief package, Marcos Jr. also ordered the reduction of tariffs on select imported food items, with safeguards to protect local farmers and producers.
He emphasized that the policy is not automatic and must balance consumer protection with agricultural sustainability.
The government also moved to reduce logistics costs by decreasing port-related fees and handling charges to ease pressure on food prices and boost supply.
The interventions are intended to improve farm-to-market efficiency and reduce wastage during peak harvest periods.
On April 16, Marcos Jr. led the ceremonial distribution of rice subsidies to Manila residents, where he announced his plan to expand the program nationwide in partnership with local government units.
The initiative aims to streamline distribution and reduce delays in delivering assistance to affected individuals.
Marcos Jr. also visited the Benguet Agri-Pinoy Trading Center in La Trinidad, Benguet, after the spike in fuel costs disrupted the movement of produce from upland farms, particularly in the Mountain Province and nearby areas, affecting both supply and market prices.
He assured that the government is implementing several measures, such as the P10-per-liter reduction in diesel prices, waivers of select local fees, and temporary suspension of toll fees for trucks carrying vegetables.
Reintegration programs
Marcos Jr. on April 15 also led the nationwide launch of reintegration services for displaced overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) at the Leyte National High School gymnasium in Tacloban City.
At least 5,400 OFWs and their dependents have returned to the country amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East, according to latest data from the government.
The reintegration program consolidates employment assistance, livelihood support, and social services for returning workers.
At least two beneficiaries of the Sa Pinas, Ikaw ang Ma’am at Sir (SPIMS) Program, which supports the reintegration of licensed OFW teachers into the country’s public school system, also joined the mass oath-taking of more than 2,000 newly promoted teachers and principals from Eastern Visayas at the Tacloban City Convention Center on April 15.
Arrest of key figure in flood control mess
Meanwhile, Marcos Jr. announced on April 16 the arrest of fugitive former lawmaker Zaldy Co, a key figure in the anomalous flood control projects.
He said the Philippines’ coordination with Czech authorities was underway to ensure proper legal procedures and facilitate Co’s swift return to the country.
Co, who has been declared a fugitive from justice, is facing graft and malversation charges linked to alleged irregularities in flood control projects.
Marcos said updates will be released as developments unfold.
Diplomatic engagements
On April 14, Marcos also welcomed Omani Ambassador to the Philippines Nasser bin Said bin Abdullah Al Manwari at Malacañan, where he expressed appreciation for Oman’s assistance to Filipino nationals amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
He also received the credentials of six non-resident ambassadors from Albania, Azerbaijan, Côte d’Ivoire, Iceland, Georgia, and Somalia.
Marcos said the engagements aim to strengthen bilateral ties and expand cooperation in key areas.
Health status addressed
The President also addressed speculations about his health, reaffirming that he remains fit and continues to perform official duties.
To dispel rumors, Marcos Jr. performed jumping jacks before a press briefing with Palace reporters on April 13.
“I am in very, very good health,” he said, adding that he continues regular exercise and medical monitoring.
During the rice distribution on April 16, Pres. Marcos Jr. lifted a 10-kilo sack of rice like a dumbbell.
Anti-disinformation drive continues
Meanwhile, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) announced legal action against individuals and online accounts allegedly spreading false information about Marcos Jr.’s health.
The PCO, through its Anti-Fake News Desk, submitted on April 15 an endorsement of its narrative to the Department of Justice (DOJ) against three Facebook accounts for allegedly spreading fabricated information regarding Marcos’ health condition.
These accounts are “Iloy Bugris: The Queen of Revelations,” “Rigondola Ping,” and “Crage Anderpal.”
The move is part of its broader campaign to counter online disinformation and protect public trust in official information.
