Marquez criticized the government for its delayed action in suspending the fuel excise tax despite President Marcos Jr. having the authority to do so amid rising diesel prices expected to hit P170 per liter. He lamented that despite emergency powers granted to the President, no relief has been provided, and even fare hikes were reversed. The Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) is set to present recommendations on excise tax suspension to the President on April 7, but the final decision remains with Marcos, who must balance tax revenue needs with public relief.

Marquez also called for a review of the Oil Deregulation Law, which lets private oil firms set prices freely, blaming it for pushing many jeepney and tricycle drivers off the road due to high fuel costs. He highlighted the inadequate and uneven distribution of government cash aid to affected drivers and announced plans for a nationwide transport holiday to protest the situation, warning that if the government remains inactive, transport operators will stop working, resulting in no earnings for drivers.