Davao City dad proposes measures to ease impact of sky-high prices

By Ivy Tejano

Published Mar 11, 2026 11:04 pm

A Davao City councilor proposed on Tuesday, March 10, a combination of national and local legislative actions to cushion consumers and key sectors from rising fuel and commodity costs.

Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang, chairman of the Committee on Finance, Ways and Means, made the call during the regular session of the 21st Davao City Council at the Sangguniang Panlungsod.

Dayanghirang said a fuel price increase leads to higher costs in transportation, agriculture, manufacturing, and food distribution, affecting households, transport operators, farmers, and small businesses.

He attributed current inflationary pressures to global fuel price volatility, geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and the existing tax regime under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law.

Dayanghirang said that these inflationary pressures impose excise taxes of around P10 per liter on gasoline, P6 on diesel, and P5 on kerosene, in addition to a 12 percent Value-Added Tax on petroleum products.

In his policy paper titled “Legislative Mitigating Measures to Address the Economic Impact of Rising Fuel and Commodity Prices in the Philippines,” he proposed temporarily reducing fuel excise taxes when prices rise high.

Dayanghirang suggested mechanisms such as progressive taxation tied to fuel price thresholds, which could lower pump prices by P3 to P10 per liter, easing transportation and logistics costs.

The proposal recommended targeted fuel subsidies for vulnerable sectors, including Public Utility Vehicle drivers, farmers, fishermen, and logistics operators.

He proposed a strategic fuel rationing program during emergencies, prioritizing public transport, food supply, and government fleets to prevent hoarding and price spikes.

Dayanghirang highlighted stricter price monitoring and anti-profiteering efforts, including regular inspection of fuel stations and coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Energy.

On the local level, Dayanghirang suggested programs to stabilize public transport, such as fuel vouchers for jeepney drivers, fare stabilization initiatives, and support for transport cooperatives.

The councilor cited Davao City’s past measures during fuel spikes, including consultations with transport groups and support programs for farmers and fisherfolk, as best practices.

He encouraged local renewable energy projects, urban agriculture and food security initiatives, and improvements to logistics and supply chain efficiency, including farm-to-market roads and cold storage facilities.

“The rising cost of fuel and commodities requires coordinated action,” Dayanghirang said, urging proactive legislative measures to protect consumers and stabilize local economies.

Speaking at the Pulong-Pulong sa Dabawenyos on Tuesday, Councilor J. Melchor Quitain Jr., chairman of the Committee on City-Owned Real Properties, noted that the city is feeling the impact of rising global prices.

“The situation will likely continue while the conflict between the US and Iran persists,” Quitain said. “I’m just hoping that the situation will soon be under control and that there will be no escalation of the conflict.”

While the national and local governments are closely monitoring the situation, the councilor encouraged everyone to keep the faith, trust in the Lord, and pray that everything goes well.

Quitain assured that the city is implementing programs and preparing measures to ensure supply, prevent hoarding, and conserve energy, including evaluating reduced work schedules to offset fuel consumption.

Councilor Radge Ibuyan, chairman of the Committee on Government Enterprises and Privatization, added that the city is tracking the availability of basic goods in public markets.

Ibuyan said he has received information on recent prices at the city’s public markets, noting that the price of chicken might reach nearly P180 per kilo from P165 per kilo.

He said the city could strengthen its collaboration with vendors and market administrators to help manage any possible price increases, expressing hope that prices would remain stable.

“If necessary, we will coordinate with the City Economic Enterprises Office, and if they suggest any relevant resolution, we will study it carefully and take the appropriate action,” Ibuyan said.

Davao City Information Officer Harvey Lanticse said that gasoline stations are under strict supervision to prevent premature price hikes, hoarding, and overpricing.

Lanticse said the Business Bureau has been tasked with regular inspections, while residents are encouraged to report irregularities through the Davao City Reports platform.

City officials assured that the city government remains committed to protecting consumers, maintaining service delivery, and ensuring transparency in pricing amid ongoing global volatility.