SPEAKER Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy III on Monday rallied the House of Representatives to pursue legislation and policy measures to shield Filipinos from the effects of oil price shocks brought about by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
In a statement, Dy said lawmakers and House committees will push priority bills aimed at cushioning the impact of rising oil prices on key sectors of the economy, particularly workers, commuters, farmers and small businesses.
“Kasama po ng aking kapwa-mambabatas at ng iba’t ibang Komite, kami po ay walang humpay na magsusulong ng mga priority bills at mga hakbang na makakatulong upang mapagaan ang epekto ng mga pandaigdigang krisis sa ating mga kababayan,” Dy said.
“We recognize that this is a challenge we must face head on, which is why the House of Representatives will work with the Executive to focus on measures that will help cushion the effects of rising oil prices on the various sectors of our economy—especially our workers, commuters, farmers, and small businesses.”
The Speaker from Isabela said the escalating tensions in the Middle East shows how developments abroad can directly affect the Philippines, particularly through rising oil prices felt by Filipino families.
He said it is only natural for people to feel fear and concern when oil prices rise, as this drives up transportation fares, food and other basic necessities.
“Dama po nating lahat ito—ng mga manggagawa, ng mga magulang na nagtatrabaho para sa kanilang pamilya, at ng bawat Pilipinong nagsisikap mabuhay nang may dangal,” he said.
Despite these challenges, Dy assured the public that Congress remains committed to safeguarding the welfare of Filipinos.
“Sa kabila nito, nais ko pong ipabatid na hindi po kayo nag-iisa sa pagharap sa mga hamong ito. Ang Kapulungan ng mga Kinatawan po ay patuloy na ginagampanan ang mandato nitong pangalagaan ang kapakanan ng sambayanang Pilipino,” he said.
Dy said the House will focus on policies that strengthen the economy and protect the livelihoods of ordinary Filipinos.
“Masugid po nating pagtutuunan ng pansin ang mga batas at patakaran na magpapalakas sa ating ekonomiya, magpoprotekta sa kabuhayan ng ating mga mamamayan, at magtitiyak ng kaginhawaan at kaligtasan ng taumbayan,” Dy said.
The House chief also called for unity as the country confronts global uncertainty.
“Sa kasaysayan ng ating bansa, maraming beses na po tayong nakaranas ng mga pagsubok—mga bagyo, krisis, at mga pangyayaring tila wala sa ating kontrol,” Dy said.
“We have confronted challenging moments before, and each time the strength and unity of the Filipino people have carried us through.”
“Napatunayan na po natin na kapag tayo ay nagbubuklud-buklod at nagmamalasakit sa isa’t isa, walang hamon na hindi natin kayang lampasan.”
Dy assured the public that government institutions will continue working to protect Filipinos and guide the country through global challenges.
“Mga kababayan, buong puso ko pong ipinararating sa inyo na patuloy pong kikilos ang inyong pamahalaan, patuloy pong magtatrabaho ang inyong Kongreso, at patuloy po nating pangangalagaan ang bawat Pilipino,” he said.
“Dumaan man ang mga unos, ang tunay na lakas ng Pilipinas ay nasa tapang, pagkakaunawaan, at pagkakaisa ng sambayanan.”
“Kagaya po ng maraming balakid na ating nalampasan, makakaasa po kayong magkakasama nating haharapin ang hamong ito—at magkakasama rin tayong babangon: nang mas malakas, mas payapa, at mas panatag ang loob para sa kinabukasan ng ating bayan.”
