Challenges caused by the ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
During a press briefing last Tuesday, March 17, Malacañang called for unity among leaders and urged them to set aside politics and prioritize the welfare of the Filipino people.
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said, “Hindi ito ang panahon para maghilahan pababa, hindi ito panahon ng paninira at lalong hindi ito panahon ng pamumulitika. Sama-sama nating isusulong ang kapakanan ng bansa at ng taumbayan bago ang sarili.”
Meanwhile, in response to rising oil prices and other effects of the conflict in the Middle East, the Palace official said President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. has already laid the government’s swift actions to protect citizens and support key sectors.
“Simula nang pumutok ang gulo sa Middle East noong February 28, agad na tinipon ng Pangulo ang kaniyang gabinete at nagsagawa ng mga hakbang laban sa epekto ng gulo sa ibayong-dagat,” she said. “Agad na nagpatupad si Pangulong Marcos Jr. ng iba’t ibang hakbang tulad ng pagbibigay ng tulong-pinansiyal, mga subsidiya, pagbabawas ng lang bayarin at proteksiyon para sa mga mamimili.”
Meanwhile, according to her, assistance from the administration will extend beyond drivers and operators and will include farmers and fishermen to ensure a steady food supply and to avoid price increases for basic goods.
An estimated 26,000 farmers and fishermen will benefit from the fuel subsidy, with an additional PHP2,000 provided through the Presidential Assistance for Farmers and Fisherfolk Program, she said.
Meanwhile, she also reiterated the President’s call for local governments to halt pass-through fees on agricultural products to prevent price hikes.
The officer also said that they will also ban the collection of fees in public schools and continue the free ride program under the “Love Bus” initiative in Metro Manila, Cebu, and Davao as part of measures to address the matter.
Castro also said that the administration urged the public to avoid spreading fear and told that the government remains in control amid the ongoing situation.
“Ang pakiusap lamang natin sa ngayon dahil nasa sitwasyon tayong ganito, let us refrain from doing activities like fear mongering,” she said. “Mas nakakadagdag ito ng takot sa ating mga kababayan samantalang ang Pangulo at ang gobyerno ay still under control, in control of the situation.”
Castro also emphasized that the Department of Energy remains in communication with stakeholders such as oil companies and that the Philippine government is working to further cushion the impact of high oil prices on consumers.