President Marcos: Bigger fuel rollback coming, oil firms ordered to comply

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assured the public that relief is on the way as a significant rollback in fuel prices is expected on Tuesday, April 21, with diesel prices projected to drop by more than ₱24 per liter, gasoline by ₱ 3.41, and kerosene by ₱2.00.

“Batid namin ang sitwasyon ng bawat Pilipino sa panahong ito. Hindi tayo titigil, hindi tayo uurong, at hindi natin hahayaan na ang ginhawang ito ay hindi po makarating sa taong-bayan,” President Marcos said in a video message.

He confirmed the upcoming reductions, noting that the price cuts will be more substantial than the previous week’s rollback.

“Mas malaki ito kaysa sa rollback noong nakaraang Linggo at malinaw ang ibig sabihin nito para sa ating lahat. May ginhawang parating,” President Marcos added.

The President also directed oil companies to fully implement the price reductions without delay. “At sa ating mga oil company, malinaw naman ang aking panawagan. Ipatupad ninyo ang rollback ng buo, tama, at walang pagkaantala. Ibigay ninyo sa taong-bayan ang dapat naman na nasa kanila,” the President noted.

He urged the public to report any violations and assured swift government action. Marcos also said the ₱10 fuel subsidy for public utility vehicles such as buses and jeepneys will continue, along with the government’s service contracting program for PUV drivers.

“Ang bawat sentimo na ibinababa ay dapat maramdaman ng bawat Pilipino. Alam naman namin kung gaano kahalaga ang oras ng bawat kababayan natin. Ang bawat oras natin ay dapat ginugugol sa ating pamilya, sa eskwela, sa trabaho, hindi po sa nakapila,” President Marcos pointed out.

He further announced that the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has started implementing a moratorium on expiring driver’s licenses, student permits, conductor’s permits, and vehicle registrations this month as part of relief measures.

“Ipapatupad din ng Department of Transportation at Land Transportation Office ang tatlong buwang ekstensyon para sa validity ng mga nag-e-expire na lisensya, student permit, at rehistro ng sasakyan,” President Marcos said.

He explained that documents due to expire this month will remain valid until July without penalties.

“Halimbawa, kung mag-e-expire ngayong buwan ang rehistro mo, magiging valid pa rin ’yan hanggang July at wala kang babayarang multa o anumang surcharge. Bukod sa driver’s license at sa rehistro, extended din ang validity ng mga student permit at ang mga conductor’s license.”