Businessman Anthony Pangilinan, father of actor Donny Pangilinan, said that they are deducting P3 per liter on all diesel products at their Shell station in Cavite, upon the recommendation of Donny, amid the ongoing oil price hike. This follows news that diesel is expected to hit P114 this week.
“Our partner [Donny] suggested a move that didn’t make sense ‘numbers-wise’ but was 100 percent in sync with our mission: support those who need it most in the community,” Anthony said on Facebook, adding that they will keep the reduced prices “running as long as we are able.”
Fans praised father and son on social media, calling the move “generous” and suggesting that other gas station owners follow the Pangilinans’ example. But others suggested that reducing the value-added tax (VAT) and excise tax on petroleum products may be more helpful to more Filipinos.
On Monday, March 16, the House of Representatives approved in its third and final reading a bill that will allow President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to suspend the collection of excise tax on fuel during national and global emergencies.
While the bill must still undergo readings in the Senate, its approval is expected to be fast-tracked, as a companion bill, filed by Anthony’s brother Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, has already been filed in the upper chamber.
The proposed measure is sought to alleviate the financial burdens of commuters and motorists amid Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial passage in the Middle East for 20 percent of the world’s oil supply. But in the legislator’s explanatory note for the bill, he said that suspending the excise tax on fuel would also “reduce cost burdens on Filipino consumers, particularly farmers, fisherfolk, transport workers, and small businesses.”
As for the businessmen with more capital and power, Anthony urged them on social media, “Let’s all do what we can, while we can, for as long as we are able.”
