By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet

Reinforcing the message that the administration remains on top of matters concerning the current energy emergency, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. outlined some upcoming initiatives of the government to address this pressing national concern.

In his video message uploaded on social media late Sunday, the President announced the significant rollback in fuel prices for motorists nationwide, which include a drop of more than P20 per liter on diesel, over P4 per liter on gasoline, and over P8 per liter on kerosene.

These price cuts are part of broader efforts to cushion the impact of rising oil prices, with more measures and assistance programs set to be rolled out in the coming days to further reduce transportation, food, and living expenses nationwide.

President Marcos Jr. however said that oil price rollback alone would not suffice in lightening the burden of the current situation on the common folk, hinting that he would announce further interventions from the government in the coming months.

“Sa mga susunod na araw at linggo, may iaanunsiyo po ako na mga dagdag na hakbang at tulong mula sa gobyerno. Hindi natin hahayaang mapabayaan ang bawat Pilipino sa gitna ng mga hamong ito.”

On fuel-related misconduct

The President, meanwhile, expressed condemnation of the recent incidents of fuel pilferage, hoarding, theft, and stockpiling amid the energy emergency.

These include the discovery of an unauthorized fuel stockpile at a residential area in Quezon City, an illegal depot in the Navotas Fish Port Complex, illegal petroleum trade in Laguna, and unregulated transport of fuel in Albay.

Some instances even include motorists who refueled at gas stations but fled without paying, as well as an incident involving the illegal transfer of diesel from a truck into a container hidden inside a private vehicle.

President Marcos Jr. called out these activities undertaken by unscrupulous individuals who are taking advantage of the current situation for personal gain and profit over the common good, “Nakakalungkot at nakakagalit din. Ang iba sa ating mga nakikitang insidente kamakailan. Dahil sa kalagitnaan nitong pinagdadaanan natin ay pinili nilang isipin lang ang kanilang mga sarili.”

“Bagama’t naintindihan natin ang kalagayan ng bawat isa. Hindi ito nagpapahintulot sa atin na gumawa ng mga ganitong bagay. Sa paghahanap natin ng ginhawa, huwag naman sana tayong manlamang sa kapwa. Hindi ganyan ang Pilipino.”

The Chief Executive concluded his remarks by calling on the citizenry to exercise discipline, responsible behavior, and bayanihan during these difficult times, likewise acknowledging the spirit of volunteerism exercised by Filipinos to help vulnerable sectors and those in need.

 “Sa panahon ng kagipitan, dapat ay mangibabaw ang ating pakikipagkapwa-tao. Ito ang kabayanihan na maaari nating ipakita ngayon.”

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