PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed the immediate establishment of a crisis committee tasked with ensuring the stability of the nation’s food and fuel supplies. This proactive measure comes in response to the escalating conflict in the Middle East, which has led to significant volatility in global energy markets and raised concerns about potential disruptions to essential commodities.
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro confirmed the President’s directive during a press briefing on Monday. She emphasized that the creation of this committee was initiated by the President even before any external suggestions were made, highlighting the administration’s foresight in addressing potential challenges. While the formal document is still being finalized, Castro assured the public that the committee’s primary objective is to prevent any disruptions in the supply chain for critical goods, including petroleum products and food items.
Undersecretary Castro clarified that, despite the surge in global oil prices due to the Middle East war, the Philippines has not yet declared an oil supply crisis. She stated that the country currently possesses a complete and sufficient oil supply. Both the Department of Energy (DOE) and the administration are actively working, under the President’s orders, to guarantee the uninterrupted flow of oil and petroleum products throughout the nation.
The formation of this crisis committee signifies the government’s commitment to mitigating the impact of international geopolitical events on the domestic economy and the daily lives of Filipinos.
By closely monitoring and managing the supply of essential commodities, the committee aims to prevent price spikes and ensure that the public has consistent access to food and fuel, thereby maintaining economic stability and public welfare.
