Malacañang issued a firm call for national unity on Tuesday, March 17, urging political leaders to set aside partisan interests and prioritize the welfare of Filipinos caught in the escalating Middle East crisis.
During a press briefing in Mandaue City, Cebu, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro emphasized that the current global instability is not the time for political maneuvering, asserting that the government remains in control despite rising oil prices.
“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,” Castro stated.
Castro highlighted that the President has made the safety of Filipinos his top priority since the regional conflict intensified. Following the outbreak of hostilities, the President immediately convened the Cabinet to implement a comprehensive support strategy, including financial aid and subsidies.
“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 ilang bayarin at proteksiyon para sa mga mamimili,” Castro explained.
The administration’s assistance package extends beyond the transport sector. Castro noted that farmers and fisherfolk are also being supported to ensure food security and stabilize the prices of essential goods.
An estimated 26,000 farmers and fisherfolk are set to receive fuel subsidies, complemented by an additional P2,000 in cash aid under the Presidential Assistance for Farmers and Fisherfolk Program. To further curb inflation, the President has urged local government units to suspend “pass-through fees” on agricultural products.
The Palace also detailed broader measures to ease the economic burden on all sectors. These include a moratorium on fees in public schools and the continuation of the “Love Bus” free ride program in Metro Manila, Cebu, and Davao.
“Sisimulan na rin ng Department of Education sa pangunguna ni Secretary Sonny Angara ang kanilang ‘Serbisyo Fair’ upang matulungan ang mga graduating students na makahanap ng trabaho. Ipagpapatuloy din ng pamahalaan ang libreng sakay sa ilalim ng “Love Bus” program sa Metro Manila, Cebu at Davao,” Castro added.| PCO
