Senator Bam Aquino on Tuesday urged President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to declare a state of national emergency as oil prices and the cost of essential goods continue to surge due to ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
Speaking during the hearing of the Senate Proactive Response and Oversight for Timely and Effective Crisis Strategy (Protect) Committee, Aquino stressed that the government needs broader powers to respond quickly to the crisis.
“Panahon na para magdeklara ng state of national emergency. Kailangan ng pamahalaan ng mas malawak na kapangyarihan upang agad-agad na matugunan ang krisis na ito,” Aquino said.
The Senate recently formed the Protect Committee to craft a comprehensive plan addressing energy disruptions and the surge in petroleum prices, partly triggered by escalating conflict involving Israel, the United States, and Iran.
Aquino noted that under a national emergency, authorities could implement measures to regulate the prices of essential goods and ensure sufficient supply in local markets.
He emphasized that swift action is necessary to protect three critical pillars of Filipino family life: market prices, health services, and education.
“Mahalaga ang mabilis na aksyon upang bantayan ang tatlong lugar na pinaka-importanteng pundasyon sa pamilyang Pilipino. Sa pagtugon po ng krisis na ito, kailangan nating tutukan ang presyo sa palengke siguraduhing patuloy ang serbisyo sa mga ospital at panatilihing bukas ang ating paaralan,” he said.
Aquino also highlighted the need for government assistance to farmers and small vendors, arguing that timely aid would prevent them from raising prices while guaranteeing enough income for their families. At the same time, support should extend to consumers.
“Tutukan ang presyo ng bilihin sa palengke, ilabas ang nakalaan na ayuda para sa mga magsasaka at sa mga nagtitinda kailangan ito upang hindi sila mapilitang magtaas ng presyo at upang may maiuwi sila na sapat na kita para sa kanilang pamilya kasabay nito kailangan din suportahan ang namimili,“ he said.
“Tuloy tuloy ang serbisyo ng hospitals, kailangan tulungan ng gobyerno ang mga nurse, doctor, hospital workers na nagkocommute araw-araw. Bigyan natin sila ng agarang subsidya upang sa gayon hindi maging pasanin ng kanilang pamasahe at iba pang gastusin habang sila ay naglilingkod,” Aquino added.
The senator also stressed the importance of keeping schools operational.
“Kahit gaano pa po kalala ang maging krisis sa ating bansa kailangan bukas ang ating mga paaralan, huwag tayo aabot sa panahon na pag-uusapan na isara ang paaralan,” he said.
Aquino urged the government to act with urgency, as the Middle East crisis began one month.
“Isang buwan na po ang nakalipas simula nang nagsimula ang krisis sa Middle East, at naghahanap po tayo ng sense of urgency sa pagtugon ng gobyerno dito. Kailangan ng tamang pokus at mabilis na implementasyon,” he said.
The senator further called for a “holistic repatriation program“ for overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), emphasizing that returning workers require continuous support, including available employment opportunities and financial assistance from the government.
Aquino also proposed leveraging the Philippines’ position as chair of ASEAN to initiate discussions on an ASEAN petroleum security agreement. His appeal comes as global oil price spikes continue to drive up local pump prices, adding further pressure on consumers and businesses.
