By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
Echoing earlier calls to avoid fear-mongering amidst rising oil prices arising from the ongoing tensions in the Middle East, Malacañang called for unity among leaders to prioritize the welfare of Filipinos.
At a briefing late Tuesday, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro emphasized President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call to set aside politics and work together to help the country navigate these challenging times.
Castro reminded everyone, “Hindi ito ang panahon para maghilahan pababa; hindi ito panahon ng paninira at lalong hindi ito panahon ng pamumulitika. Sama-sama nating isusulong ang kapakanan ng bansa at ng taumbayan bago ang sarili.”
She moreover highlighted the tireless efforts of the government to protect the welfare of citizens and support key sectors, such as the recent distribution of the P5,000 fuel subsidy to tricycle drivers in Metro Manila.
President Marcos Jr. earlier said that this financial assistance will eventually roll out to other PUV drivers in different provinces across the archipelago as the Philippines continues to reel from fluctuations in the prices of gasoline and diesel.
The assistance from the administration will extend beyond drivers and operators to include farmers and fisherfolk to ensure a steady food supply and to avoid price increases for basic goods.
An estimated 26,000 farmers and fishermen will benefit from the fuel subsidy, with an additional P2,000 provided through the Presidential Assistance for Farmers and Fisherfolk Program.
Castro concluded in her remarks, “Simula nang pumutok ang gulo sa Middle East noong February 28, agad na tinipon ng Pangulo ang kaniyang gabinete at nagsagawa ng mga hakbang laban sa epekto ng gulo sa ibayong-dagat.
Agad na nagpatupad si Pangulong Marcos Jr. ng iba’t ibang hakbang tulad ng pagbibigay ng tulong-pinansiyal, mga subsidiya, pagbabawas ng [mga] bayarin at proteksiyon para sa mga mamimili.”
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