A church-backed labor coalition has called on the government to suspend taxes on fuel as rising oil prices continue to burden Filipino workers, commuters and poor families.
In a statement dated March 26, Church People–Workers Solidarity (CWS) said the latest surge in petroleum prices, linked to escalating conflict in the Middle East, is once again passing the heaviest burden onto those least able to bear it.
“We stand in firm solidarity with transport workers, farmers, fisherfolk, and all working families who are suffering the consequences of a crisis they did not create,” the group said.
CWS, chaired by Caritas Philippines President Bishop Gerardo A. Alminaza, said the impact of rising fuel prices is immediate and painful at the local level, driving up transport fares, food costs and household expenses.
The group said public utility drivers and delivery workers are among those hardest hit, as higher fuel prices cut deeply into already modest earnings. Commuters, workers and students also bear the cost through higher fares and reduced mobility, it said.
Calling the situation both an economic and moral issue, CWS urged the government to temporarily suspend Value-Added Tax and excise taxes on fuel to ease the burden on vulnerable sectors.
It also called for a review of the Downstream Oil Industry Deregulation Act, saying the law has long raised questions about accountability, price fairness and the government’s ability to protect consumers from recurring oil price hikes.
CWS drew its appeal from Catholic social teaching, citing Laudato Si’ and Laudate Deum in arguing that war, environmental harm and economic inequality are interconnected and are most severely felt by the poor.
The coalition also urged stronger social protection for workers, more equitable taxation and decisive government action against speculative or unjust price increases.
Beyond domestic policy, the group called for the de-escalation of armed conflicts and global efforts toward a just and lasting peace.
“At this critical moment, faith must become solidarity, and solidarity must become transformation,” it said.
