By Gabriela Baron
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Saturday, Nov. 12, asked the United States (US) to use its global clout to tame the rising fuel prices.
In his intervention during the 10th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-US Summit in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, the President said the rising fuel “already impacted on businesses and people’s livelihoods.”
“We appeal as well to the United States to use its global influence to help ease the current global plight of rising fuel prices that we all have to deal with,” he added.
“We also encourage the US’ long-term support for the implementation of the ASEAN Plan of Action on Energy Cooperation,” he continued.
US President Joe Biden led the American delegation during the ASEAN-US Summit.
The war between Russia and Ukraine caused oil prices to skyrocket due to fears of supply disruptions amid the imposition of Western sanctions targeting the Russian economy.
Also, during his intervention, the President asked for US backing to fight climate change and to protect the environment.
“We also appeal for the US’ support for the work of the ASEAN Center for Biodiversity. The Center preserves ASEAN’s varied ecosystems and mainstream biodiversity across relevant sectors. This is to increase resilience against climate change and its impacts and natural disasters,” Marcos said.
“Furthermore, its work is critical in mitigating emerging and re-emerging infectious zoonotic diseases and pandemics,” he added. -ag
