House to pass travel tax, 3 other LEDAC bills ahead of break

THE House of Representatives aims to pass four priority bills this week before a six-week legislative break, its majority leader said on Sunday, as lawmakers seek to keep pace with the Marcos administration’s legislative agenda.

The chamber is set to approve bills abolishing the travel tax, mandating digital payment platforms for government transactions, amending the 2017 free college education law and creating a new scholarship program for top senior high school students, Majority Leader and Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” A. Marcos III, the President’s son, said in a statement on Sunday.

He said the measures’ imminent approval “reflect[s] a mix of relief and reform,” as lawmakers seek to improve the quality of life for Filipinos.

“We are right on track to approving LEDAC measures on time,” he said in a statement, referring to the Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council, which has identified 52 priority bills for President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. for the remainder of his term.

President Marcos, now at the tail end of his six-year term, is seeking to leave a political legacy through a legislative agenda aimed at tackling core issues, advancing economic reforms and strengthening governance.

“The public does not live on promises alone, they need results,” Congressman Mr. Marcos said. “That is exactly what we are trying to deliver by moving these measures with urgency and discipline.”

He said that bills barring political dynasties, instituting a national land use policy and introducing amendments to the country’s 2006 biofuels law are also set to be discussed by the House floor this week.

In a separate statement, Congressman Mr. Marcos said the House is also set to approve on final reading a bill authorizing the President to cut or suspend the excise tax on fuel, giving the government a mechanism to curb rising prices due to the global oil shock caused by the Iran war.

“The House is moving to address an oil price crisis,” he said. “This bill gives the President a lawful and time-bound way to cut or suspend fuel excise taxes so relief can reach the public before higher oil prices trigger a wider increase in fares, food and other basic expenses.”

Now entering its third week, the Iran war shows no sign of ending as both Washington and Tehran signal no interest in a ceasefire, prolonging a conflict in the energyrich Middle East that has driven oil prices higher and rattled global markets.

“The proposal offers real relief, especially for workers, drivers, small businesses and families who feel the impact of every peso added to the cost of fuel,” Congressman Mr. Marcos said.

The Philippines imposes an excise tax of P10 per liter on gasoline, P6 per liter on diesel and P5 per liter on kerosene under the 2017 Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion law. It previously allowed the government to suspend the collection of excise tax on petrol when world oil prices reach $80 per barrel for three straight months, but that provision lapsed six years ago. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio