.webp)
By Kristina Maralit, Manila Times
PRESIDENT-elect Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. is opting to take the same route as the Duterte administration in helping hardest hit sectors cope with the skyrocketing prices of fuel.
The incoming leader made the remark after being sought for comment regarding Senator Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel's statement that the Senate is willing to act on the proposed scrapping of excise taxes on oil products as long as he calls for it.
"I prefer to handle the problem on the other side of the equation and provide assistance to those who are in need," the President-elect said at a press briefing late Monday afternoon at the BBM Headquarters in Mandaluyong City.
He pointed out that cutting excise taxes does not directly alleviate the plight of those in need.
"So, ang aking iniisip kung sino yung mga kaagad na tinamaan, example yung lumabas kaagad 'yung transport, 'yung mga nagpapasada.... tinamaan kaagad. I-focus natin muna sa kanila, 'yung mga nangangailangan talaga (What I'm thinking is help those really feeling the hit, for example those in transport, those plying regular routes... they were directly hit. Let's focus on them, those in dire need)," stated Marcos Jr.
"'Yung mga may kaya (Those with the means), they can afford to pay. Those who are in danger of losing livelihoods, 'dun tayo mag-focus (let's focus on them)," he added.
