Manila: The proposed crisis committee ordered by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. aims to consolidate and reinforce current government strategies to mitigate the impact of the Middle East conflict, Executive Secretary Ralph Recto announced. Recto emphasized that the interagency body is not an initiation but a mechanism to sustain and enhance the administration's ongoing response.
According to Philippines News Agency, Recto explained that the crisis committee is designed to uphold and strengthen various mitigation measures launched by the administration from the outset. He highlighted the government's prompt mobilization of resources to protect the nation from immediate repercussions, citing interventions such as financial assistance, fuel subsidies for transport workers, and the repatriation of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) via government-chartered flights.
Recto provided evidence of the government's response, stating that financial aid continues to be distributed, and fuel subsidies are reaching tens of thousands of drivers. Additionally, OFWs have been safely transported away from danger through chartered flights. Energy conservation measures and cost-cutting initiatives, including reductions in toll fees and airport passenger and landing fees, have been implemented as well.
He mentioned that support will also be extended to farmers and fisherfolk to help offset fuel costs for their operations. The government has allocated significant funds to cushion vulnerable sectors from rising oil prices, alongside efforts to secure fuel supply agreements.
Recto noted that assistance distribution continues uninterrupted, describing it as a non-stop conveyor of various aid to the people. He stated that the establishment of the crisis committee underscores the necessity for a more structured and sustained response as the situation develops.
He further clarified that even if hostilities cease soon, normalization will be delayed due to potential disruptions in global oil supply. The destruction of oil and gas facilities will create a significant gap in global supply, likely maintaining elevated fuel prices.
The planned interagency body will define roles across agencies to ensure coordinated and efficient implementation of government measures, Recto concluded.
