Metro Manila, Philippines – Vice President Sara Duterte told the government to take immediate steps to cushion the effect of the expected significant increase in fuel prices next week.
On Friday, March 6, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced that diesel and kerosene prices will rise by double digits, while gasoline will hit over P7 per liter over uncertainties in the global oil supply because of the Middle East conflict.
The Department of Energy has been appealing to oil companies to implement staggered increases.
“Sa mga ahensya ng gobyerno na may tungkulin dito, kumilos na kayo,” Duterte said in a video statement on Saturday, March 7.
[Translation: To government agencies responsible for this issue, act now.]
The vice president said the government must monitor oil prices and its effect on basic goods and transportation, urging it to release early warnings and explanations on the issue.
She told the agencies to take action against hoarding and overpricing, provide subsidies or price caps on food products, and consider targeted cash-transfers to low-income families.
She also suggested the release of advisories for “fuel-efficient” distribution of food and incentives in public transportation.
“Makakahanap tayo ng paraan upang mapagaan ang ating pasanin sa pamamagitan ng pagtutulungan sa komunidad, pagtangkilik sa lokal na produkto, at pagiging maingat sa ating paggastos at paggamit ng enerhiya,” Duterte said, adding to expect government action to protect Filipino families and ensure fair and stable markets.
[Translation: We can find ways to ease our burden through cooperation in the community, promoting local products, and being careful in spending and energy use.]
“Malalagpasan natin ang pagsubok na ito tulad ng nalagpasan natin ang pandemya,” Duterte said.
[Translation: We will overcome this challenge like how we succeeded in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.]
Meanwhile, Duterte also had proposals to local government units such as temporarily prohibiting the conduct of “non-essential” activities using fuel, strengthening support for local farmers and small suppliers to lessen dependence on imported goods, and releasing orders for saving measures to all offices and barangay.
For ordinary Filipinos, she advised proper budgeting and reduction in fuel use through carpooling, riding bicycles, and fixing schedules to minimize frequent trips, among other saving tips.
“Huwag tayo mag-isip na gumawa ng masama sa sarili man o sa ating kapwa tao,” she said. “Mamuhay tayo ng marangal at may dignidad kahit tayo ay dumadaan sa kahirapan.”
[Translation: Let us not think of doing harm to ourselves or to others. Let us live with honor and dignity even when we are going through hardship.]
Marcos has ordered the temporary implementation of a four-day work week in executive branch offices starting March 9.
Government agencies were previously directed to strictly implement measures to save energy, eyeing to realize at least 10 percent savings, through steps such as activating sleep settings on office equipment, and keeping the air-conditioning unit thermostat not lower than 24 degrees Celsius.
