Atin Ito | Ontario’s First Filipino Community Newspaper – Trusted News and Stories for the Filipino-Canadian Community Atin Ito is Ontario’s first Filipino community newspaper, delivering trusted news, stories, and updates for Filipino-Canadians. Stay connected with your community.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (Courtesy: Bongbong Marcos FB)
The government’s economic team is set to present policy recommendations to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. today (Tuesday) as global oil prices continue to climb, driven by escalating tensions in the Middle East that are disrupting supply routes and pushing domestic fuel costs higher.
The Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) convened last week to assess the economic impact of rising fuel prices and evaluate possible interventions, including adjustments to fuel excise taxes, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said Monday.
The DBCC, composed of key economic agencies, plays a central role in shaping fiscal policy and crafting responses to external shocks such as global oil price fluctuations.
“We will assess the implications of rising global oil prices and evaluate possible policy responses, including measures on fuel excise taxes,” Castro said during a press briefing yesterday, noting that discussions were held during the recent Holy Week period.
She said the DBCC has finalized its recommendations and is scheduled to meet with the President on Tuesday to submit them for approval. She declined to disclose details, saying these would be made public after the meeting.
Asked whether the President may seek emergency powers, Castro said the recommendations would first need to be reviewed.
“It’s likely that, once he sees that the recommendation is correct and aligned for the good of our country, it will be quickly approved by the President,” she said in Filipino.
The review comes as lawmakers and cause-oriented groups push for both immediate relief and longer-term measures to cushion the impact of rising fuel costs on workers, transport operators, and food producers.
The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) called on Congress to convene a special session to approve a P5,000 monthly wage subsidy for minimum wage earners and pass a legislated P200 daily wage increase.
In a statement, TUCP Party-list Rep. and Deputy Speaker Raymond Democrito C. Mendoza said the proposed P1,500 monthly subsidy under discussion is insufficient.
“The proposed P1,500 monthly subsidy is unfortunately inadequate as it amounts to only P50 a day. We appeal to our colleagues in the House and our counterparts in the Senate to convene a special session and allocate a portion of contingency and calamity funds,” Mendoza said.
He warned that diesel prices, which could reach as high as P170 per liter this week, are already straining workers and businesses.
“Congress is the last resort as our people are counting on us to immediately deliver a sufficient wage subsidy and pass a substantial legislated wage hike,” he added.
To provide immediate relief, the Department of Social Welfare and Development will begin distributing cash assistance to more than 328,000 tricycle drivers outside the National Capital Region starting April 8, DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said.
“This is in accordance with the order of our President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to ensure that assistance is provided to our countrymen who are currently struggling to make a living due to the high price of gasoline,” she added.
Under the program, each beneficiary will receive P5,000 through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program.
Dumlao said beneficiary lists submitted by local government units are undergoing a de-duplication process to ensure accuracy.
Schedules and payout locations are still being finalized in coordination with local governments.
Beyond immediate aid, lawmakers are advancing proposals to expand executive authority and funding to address the energy crisis.
Senator Loren Legarda filed Senate Bill No. 2020, or the proposed “Bayanihan 3” measure, which would grant the President temporary emergency powers to respond to rising fuel and energy costs.
The bill proposes an initial P230 billion funding pool sourced from unused funds, current appropriations, and the Malampaya Fund.
“The current crisis demands a specific delegation of authority that goes beyond the standard administrative functions of the Executive,” Legarda said.
“Granting the President special emergency powers is an essential and constitutional recourse to enable the government to bypass bureaucratic delays and implement decisive measures,” she added.
The measure includes monthly fuel subsidies ranging from P5,000 to P10,000 for public utility vehicle drivers, farmers, and fisherfolk, as well as additional support for key sectors.
It would also authorize the President to temporarily oversee or direct the operations of petroleum importers, refiners, distributors, and retailers in coordination with regulators.
In the House of Representatives, lawmakers are drafting a counterpart bill focused on targeted relief and structural reforms.
Malacañang signaled openness to the proposal but stressed the need to review its details.
“Kailangan po din makita natin kung ano po iyong pinakadetalye ng bill at lahat po ng maaaring makatulong sa ating mga kababayan iyan naman po ay tutugunan at sasang-ayunan ng ating Pangulo,” Castro said.
Castro said the administration has yet to receive the formal version of the bill and urged lawmakers to expedite its submission.
In the meantime, the government is prioritizing measures under the declared national energy emergency, including ensuring fuel supply, stabilizing prices, and providing targeted assistance.
Senators are also pushing complementary measures to address rising food costs linked to higher fuel prices.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian urged the expansion of Kadiwa stores to improve access to affordable goods, particularly in remote communities.
“Affordable goods must be within reach of every Filipino, not only in Metro Manila but even in the farthest communities,” he said.
He said the expansion should prioritize vulnerable sectors, including senior citizens and low-income households, while also strengthening support for farmers through programs such as the Rice for All initiative.
Senator Francis Pangilinan, meanwhile, called for broader coverage of emergency assistance for farmers and fisherfolk, noting that millions remain excluded.
“Our farmers and fisherfolk are front-line food soldiers in this crisis. Their weapon is immediate livelihood assistance so they can continue working and ensure food remains on every Filipino dining table,” Pangilinan said.
He urged the government to tap additional funds under the national budget to expand aid coverage and improve inter-agency coordination.
A separate group of lawmakers — Deputy Speakers Paolo Ortega V and Jay Khonghun and Lanao Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong — expressed support for the administration’s response, citing efforts to secure fuel supplies and maintain stable inventory levels.
They highlighted the release of P20 billion from the Malampaya Gas Fund to procure refined petroleum products, providing a buffer for key sectors.
Lawmakers also cited diplomatic efforts that secured assurances for the safe passage of Philippine-flagged vessels and energy shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil route affected by the conflict.
Amid the crisis, some policymakers are exploring more drastic options.
Gatchalian has proposed the possibility of fuel rationing to conserve supply, drawing from measures used during past oil crises.
Energy transition adviser Alberto Dalusung III said rationing could be effective if backed by careful study.
“Noong araw may fuel rationing. Effective yan depende sa assessment ng gobyerno,” he said.
While acknowledging the proposal may be unpopular, Gatchalian warned it could become necessary if supply disruptions worsen.
“I know it’s unpopular, but if we reach the point where no petroleum is coming in, the problem will be much worse,” he said.
Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said recent arrangements to ensure safe passage of fuel shipments through the Strait of Hormuz may not immediately reduce prices but would help maintain supply stability.
— Charles Dantes, Vito Barcelo, Maricel Cruz & Ram Superable
*****
Credit belongs to: www.manilastandard.net
