Metro Manila, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the creation of a crisis committee to coordinate the government’s response to the economic impact of the Middle East conflict, even as Malacañang maintained that the country is not encountering an oil supply crisis.
Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said the president had directed the formation of the body ahead of public calls for such a move, as part of efforts to ensure fuel supply and cushion the impact of rising global oil prices.
“Bago pa po may nag-suggest na gumawa ng crisis committee, nag-utos na po ang Pangulo na maggawa officially ng crisis committee,” Castro said during a press briefing at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City.
[Translation: Even before anyone suggested creating a crisis committee, the president had already ordered that one be officially formed.]
Castro said the document creating the committee is still being finalized, but it will focus on ensuring uninterrupted fuel supply and addressing the needs of Filipinos affected by higher prices.
She said pending the creation of the committee, the government does not consider the situation a supply crisis.
“kumpleto po tayo at enough po ang supply ng langis,” Castro said.
[Translation: Our oil supply is complete and sufficient.]
She added that the issue is largely driven by global price movements linked to the Middle East conflict.
In a separate clarification, Castro said the creation of the crisis committee is meant to ensure preparedness and tighter coordination across government agencies, even in the absence of a declared domestic crisis.
“Para mas systematic, organized upang may nakatutok sa situation kasi dapat laging handa, hindi pwedeng tutulog-tulog ng mahimbing sa mga nangyayari sa Middle East ngayon,” she said.
[Translation: This is to make things more systematic and organized so that there is a dedicated focus on the situation, because we must always be prepared and cannot afford to be complacent given what is happening in the Middle East.]
Lawmakers welcomed the move but urged swift action.
Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian said the planned committee aligns with his earlier push to create an interagency body focused on energy security.
“This is exactly why I filed Senate Resolution 335 to establish an interagency task force to tackle the nation’s energy security issues in light of the Iran conflict,” he said.
“That said, the newly formed crisis committee is crucial at this point, as uncertainty about petroleum supplies threatens the daily lives of our constituents. A whole-of-government approach should be adopted to ensure the country maintains a steady supply, even during the conflict,” he added.
Sen. Erwin Tulfo said the government should formalize the committee through an executive order pending legislation.
Labor groups, however, raised concerns over the planned body.
The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines said a crisis committee without worker representation would be inadequate, warning that those most affected by rising fuel prices could be left out of key decisions.
“Kung wala ang manggagawa sa komite, sino na lamang ang magsasabi ng tunay na kalagayan ng bayan?” said TUCP Rep. Raymond Democrito Mendoza.
[Translation: If workers are not in the committee, who then will speak about the true condition of the nation?]
TUCP also pushed for immediate measures such as a legislated wage hike, expanded subsidies and broader economic relief, warning that the issue is no longer just about supply.
