Metro Manila, Philippines – Senator Sherwin Gatchalian warned of the country running dry on fuel in a protracted Middle East crisis, despite assurances from the executive branch.
“Pinakamalala kung wala tayong langis, at hindi malayong mangyari iyan,” Gatchalian said at the Kapihan sa Senado media forum on Wednesday, March 25.
“Of course, kahapon dinadownplay ni Secretary Garin pero para sa ‘kin hindi malayong mangyari iyan dahil wala tayong firm supply,” he added.
[Translation: The worst-case scenario is that we run out of oil, and that is not far from happening. Of course, yesterday Secretary Garin downplayed it, but for me, it’s not far from happening because we don’t have a firm supply.]
Gatchalian referred to Energy Secretary Sharon Garin, who made the statement on Tuesday as the senator led the first hearing of the Senate ad hoc committee on the Middle East crisis, known as PROTECT (Proactive Response and Oversight for Timely and Effective Crisis Strategy).
While acknowledging that oil depletion would be the worst-case scenario, Garin said it is unlikely as the government is working to secure alternative fuel sources.
“Mr. Chair, I do believe that will not happen. The worst case is the prices will be really high. And we need to be willing to pay for that,” Garin said.
Gatchalian argued that the move to allocate ₱20 billion to purchase two million barrels of diesel would only last around five days, calling it a “band-aid solution.”
He said the country needs firm supply contracts or commitments from other governments for stable fuel access.
“Kaya nga aking mungkahi kahapon itrigger na natin yung government to government negotiations,” Gatchalian said.
“I don’t think at the corporate level maso-solve pa ito e. Kailangan talaga ng government intervention,” he added.
[Translation: That’s why I suggested yesterday that we trigger government-to-government negotiations. I don’t think this can still be solved at the corporate level. Government intervention is really necessary.]
Gatchalian said the Departments of Foreign Affairs and Energy should take the lead in negotiations with other governments to secure supply deals.
