Gabriela-Negros yesterday joined the launching of the nationwide signature campaign of the group calling for the abolition of the expanded value added tax on oil and petroleum products, the Oil Deregulation Law, and to control the increasing oil prices.

Secretary general Rina Amacio of Gabriela-Negros said, oil prices have increased eight times since January and have caused more burdens for mothers whose husbands earn less than the minimum wage.

She said the continuous increase of oil prices is very alarming especially for mothers who handle the family budget. When oil prices go up, prices of other basic and prime commodities also increase, including those of services and utilities, she added.

She also said EVAT does not help the country, it is an added burden for local drivers. The group also said that the statement of President Benigno Aquino III on the impossibility of abolishing EVAT on all oil and petroleum products was hurtful to them, especially to the mothers.

Amacio also said they aim to gather a million signatures from all over the country to bring their petition to the House of Representatives.

Meanwhile, Gabriela also opened its art exhibit focusing on child trafficking yesterday at Robinsons Place-Bacolod.*LTG

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