Manila, March 19 -- The government is currently reviewing the conditions for the proposed reduction and suspension of the excise tax on fuel products, Malacanang said on Thursday.

This came after President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said on Wednesday that the proposal requires a thorough assessment of multiple factors, pointing out that this is a "very complicated calculation."

In a statement, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro justified Marcos' pronouncement, saying the President's power to suspend or reduce excise taxes can only be exercised "if the average Dubai crude oil price exceeds USD80 per barrel for one month or 30 days preceding the order."

"Nasabi ng Pangulo iyan dahil ayon sa naaprubahan na bill, ang Pangulo ay makakakilos at...