Vice President Sara Duterte on Saturday urged the government to intensify monitoring of fuel prices and basic commodities as global oil prices continue to rise amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
In a video statement, Duterte called on concerned government agencies to take immediate action to protect consumers from the ripple effects of soaring fuel costs on transportation and essential goods.
“Sa mga ahensya ng gobyerno na may tungkuling dito, kumilos na kayo — Kailangan bantayan ang presyo ng langis at epekto nito sa pangunahing bilihin at transportasyon; magbigay ng maagang babala at magbigay ng paliwanag para sa mga mamamayan,” the vice president said.
Duterte also urged authorities to strengthen measures against hoarding and possible price manipulation, warning that businesses found taking advantage of the situation should face sanctions.
“Magbigay ng pansamantalang subsidiyo o price caps sa produktong pagkain at isaalang-alang ang targeted cash transfers sa low-income na pamilya,” she said.
She also suggested that the government issue advisories on more fuel-efficient food distribution systems and consider incentives for public transportation operators to help ease the burden of rising fuel prices.
While the vice president is first in the line of presidential succession, she does not have administrative authority over agencies in the executive branch.
Duterte, however, said local governments and the public can help mitigate the impact of rising fuel prices by conserving energy and supporting local products.
“Bumili muna sa lokal na produkto upang palakasin ang lokal na ekonomiya at mabawasan ang epekto ng pagtaas ng langis,” she said.
“Bawasan ang hindi kailangang paggamit ng enerhiya—tulad ng pag-carpooling, bisikleta, at pwedeng ayusin ang schedule ng lakad upang mabawasan ang madalas na pagbiyahe,” she added.
