EO 41 Seen To Make Prices Of Goods More Affordable This Christmas Season

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has issued Executive Order (EO) 41, which aims to make the prices of goods more affordable during the Christmas season by prohibiting the collection of "pass-through fees" on the movement of goods across regions.

LGUs are also urged to suspend or discontinue the collection of various fees imposed on vehicles transporting goods through local public roads funded by LGUs. I Photo: Jess M. Escaros Jr., Philippine News Agency

This EO is expected to lower the cost of doing business in the Philippines and directly benefit consumers.

EO 41, titled "Prohibiting the collection of pass-through fees on national roads and urging local government units to suspend the collection of any form of fees upon all types of vehicles transporting goods," prevents local government units (LGUs) from collecting toll fees and charges on motor vehicles transporting goods passing through national roads and roads not funded by LGUs.

LGUs are also urged to suspend or discontinue the collection of various fees imposed on vehicles transporting goods through local public roads funded by LGUs.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) believes that EO 41 will promote ease of doing business, lower the cost of doing business in the Philippines, and help reduce the cost of goods for consumers. This measure is seen as a positive development by both businesses and consumers, especially with Christmas approaching.

Truck owners and organizations, represented by the Alliance of Concerned Truck Owners and Organizations (ACTOO), have expressed gratitude for the issuance of EO 41. They have been burdened by additional costs imposed by LGUs, including pass-through fees and road users' taxes.

The EO also emphasizes the importance of reducing transport and logistics costs as part of the government's socioeconomic agenda and Philippine Development Plan.

It calls for collaboration between the National Government and LGUs to address the impacts of inflation and promote economic prosperity.

To implement EO 41 effectively, a joint effort involving several government agencies will be undertaken to formulate guidelines within 30 days of the EO's effectivity. These guidelines will provide clarity on the implementation of the order.

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