Statement of Malacañang amid Soaring Pump Princes
Malacañang clarified that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the Philippine government are not at fault over the series of oil price hikes in the Philippines.
Countless Filipinos most especially the public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers are greatly affected by the series of oil price hikes in the Philippines. These are caused by the ongoing war in the Middle East.
The war broke out after the United States and Israel launched joint airstrikes against Iran which led to the death of its leader, Supreme Minister Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and several government officials and civilians. According to U.S. Pres. Donald Trump, the attack was allegedly to stop Iran from acquiring nuclear power.
Furthermore, Trump also claimed that his move is in the pursuit of stopping Iran from allegedly destroying the Middle East and the world. According to him, while America earns a lot from the situation, such thing is more important to him as a leader.
However, amid the ongoing war, Iran warned the world to prepare for a $200 per barrel oil. The officials of the Iranian government also claimed that negotiating with U.S. is no longer on their agenda and they will make the American country regret the attack on them.
However, several other countries like the Philippines are affected by the Middle East war. In PH, the series of oil price hikes have left countless Filipino families struggling even more to make ends meet.
Pres. Bongbong Marcos assured that the Philippine government will continue to look for ways to help the people amid the challenging situation. Malacañang previously claimed that there is no need for panic buying as the supplies in the country are enough.
Marcos Jr. also claimed that hoarding is allegedly not needed as the food and petroleum supplies in the country are enough. However, amid the series of oil price hikes in the Philippines, jeepney drivers’ association PISTON held a nationwide transport strike and is set to conduct a strike again next week.
Amid the situation, Malacañang press officer undersecretary Claire Castro clarified that the series of oil price hikes is not the fault of Pres. Bongbong Marcos nor the government. Based on News5, the Palace official stressed that the President knows the sentiments of the Filipino people.
“Alam po ni Pangulong Marcos, Jr. ang hinaing nating lahat dahil sa dulot ng sigalot sa Middle East… Hindi ito kasalanan ng Pangulo at ng gobyerno. Alam rin po nating lahat na inuna ni Pangulo ang pag ayuda sa transportation sector. Inuna silang bigyan ng financial assistance at fuel subsidy,” she said.
Atty. Claire Castro also expressed that what the government is asking from the people is to understanding and trust in the government. Based on the post, the Malacañang press official stressed that the government is trying to balance the help towards the transport sector and the commuters.
“Ang hiling lang natin ay pang-unawa at pagtitiwala sa mga desisyon ng gobyerno na binabalanse ang pagtulong sa mga mananakay at sa mga transportation sector,” Castro said.
For next week, reports stated that another bigtime oil price hike may bring diesel and gasoline to a huge cost per liter.
