Storm the heavens

Christians celebrate the risen Christ today even as the nation faces one of the worst national emergencies caused by armed conflict in the Middle East.

While the factors behind the Middle East crisis are beyond the control of the government, there are ways of mitigating the impact of surging fuel prices, which are expected to jump again this coming week.

Two more weeks is too long a wait for President Marcos to cut fuel excise taxes, based on a law granting him special powers to do so. Having already declared a state of “national energy emergency,” he may instead consider the suggestion of some quarters to suspend the 12-percent value-added tax slapped on petroleum products, by invoking a constitutional provision on what he may be authorized to do under a national emergency.

Targeted subsidies in lieu of fuel tax cuts are fine for the neediest sectors, starting with public utility vehicle drivers and small-scale operators. But the recipients of the subsidies themselves want fuel tax cuts, pointing out that the dole-outs can only go so far. And this fuel crisis is affecting all sectors, including those who are sure to pass on additional logistics costs to consumers, fueling inflation.

With US President Donald Trump sending conflicting statements on his plans for the war, economists are warning about a protracted conflict and the growing prospect of stagflation this year, with inflation compounded by dampened consumer demand due to a much-shrunken purchasing power.

Already, high fuel costs have ruined what should be a peak travel season, with even the nation’s summer capital Baguio City lamenting a 50-percent drop in visitors during the long Holy Week break.

Besides fuel subsidies, Malacañang has ordered austerity measures in government. The order must be backed by effective monitoring and enforcement of the measures.

Top government officials and politicians must lead by example in energy saving and cutting down on unnecessary expenditures. Citizen vigilance can help promote this leadership by example, especially among chronically profligate and shameless politicians.

Finally, this being Easter Sunday, Christians can storm the heavens with prayer – for peace in the conflict zones, and a speedy end to this crisis.

A blessed Easter to everyone!