By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
After joining a productive dialogue at the 18th BRICS Summit, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. sat down for a briefing at the Kapihan with the Media on Sunday.
Responding to queries, President Marcos Jr. assured Filipinos of adequate interventions to cushion the impact of higher oil and commodity prices on the common folk—a byproduct of the continuing geopolitical developments in the Middle East.
“There are certain things that you cannot control, you have no influence over, such as the war in Iran and the volatility of the prices of oil. You can, however, do something about food.”
As part of this initiative, the government is focused on finding ways to bring down food prices, while continuing assistance to poor and vulnerable families. A possible long-term rice supply arrangement with Vietnam is also eyed to ensure sufficient supplies for Filipino consumers.
Support for stricken seafarers
At the heart of the conflict lies maritime workers caught in the crosshairs of the warring nations, which places them at serious risk due to their presence aboard international ships.
This concern has grown in urgency on the heels of recent incidents involving commercial vessels, with the latest involving an attack on Saudi-flagged crude oil tanker MT Sidr that led to the demise of two Filipino seafarers.
Upon the President’s orders, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) immediately extended assistance to bring fourteen other surviving Filipino crew members home, as well as ensured the release of appropriate benefits and compensation to the kin of the fatalities.
The agency likewise launched investigations into shipowners and Philippine manning agencies connected with five vessels carrying Filipino seafarers that were attacked or exposed to danger in the Strait of Hormuz and the Northern Black Sea.
Infra push, gov’t reforms
Meanwhile, to keep the economy afloat amid omnipresent challenges, President Marcos Jr. said that the government has doubled down on public spending on various infrastructure projects.
This, as the administration resolved delays and slowdowns on infrastructure spending after he unveiled the flood control mess during his 2025 SONA, which comes as a timely response for unemployment and economic woes.
In line with this agenda, he shared an update on the ongoing probe into the use of substandard construction materials in building infrastructures that is said to have begun in 2018.
“Meron pa siguro tayo mga makikita dahil tuluy-tuloy ang paghahanap natin. Noong una, akala namin iilan lang. Tapos habang tumatagal ang investigation baka mas mayroon pa pala. Napaka delikado n’ya kasi, dahil ginagamit ‘yung bakal eh substandard ‘yung bakal.”
The President noted that there are many aspects involved behind collapsed buildings that were built using substandard materials, which goes beyond steel rods alone.
The Chief Executive concluded by expressing optimism that the government reforms under his tenure will continue beyond his term and resonate with future generations to come.
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