MANILA — Senate Deputy Majority Leader Risa Hontiveros urged the passage of a P52.8-billion supplemental budget to cushion the impact of an expected surge in fuel prices as tensions in the Middle East threaten global oil supply.

Speaking at a press briefing, Hontiveros said the proposed emergency spending package would include P12 billion for transportation subsidies, P2.8 billion for agricultural assistance, and at least P38 billion as an emergency fund for the repatriation and reintegration of affected overseas Filipino workers.

“Ang panawagan natin ngayon ay simple at hindi tingi-tingi: kailangan nang pag-usapan, ihanda, at ipasa ang isang emergency supplemental budget package, na sa estima ng aking opisina, ay aabot ng P52.8 billion,” she said.

Energy officials earlier said fuel prices could rise by P17 to P24 per liter this week, though the increase will be implemented gradually over seven days instead of a one-day adjustment, according to Energy Secretary Sharon Garin.

Hontiveros said funds for the proposed supplemental budget could be sourced from several government programs, including discontinued flood control projects in 2025 worth about P70 billion.

She added that funds may also be freed up through the phased release of budgets for large-scale infrastructure projects so their full costs are not disbursed immediately.

The senator also cited other possible sources, including P2.5 billion allocated for farm machinery under the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization, which she said could be redirected as agricultural subsidies.

Part of the P17.5-billion allocation for the country’s hosting and chairmanship of the 2026 Association of Southeast Asian Nations summits and meetings could also be tapped, she added.

“Kahit nga wala pang batas sa supplemental budget, pwede nang magsimulang mag-abot ng subsidies, even if partly, ang mga ahensya gamit ang pondo ng National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Program, na may P23.4 billion sa ilalim ng 2026 budget,” Hontiveros said.

“Hindi totoo na wala tayong mapagkukunan. Meron. Kailangan lang pag-usapan, pag-isipan, at aksyunan na agad,” she added.

Hontiveros said her office has already communicated the potential funding sources for the supplemental budget to the Department of Finance.

She noted that the measure must go through the usual legislative process and originate from the House of Representatives.

“It will have to emanate from the House. So I’m sure naman ‘yung counterparts namin sa House ay may sense of urgency din and ngayon palang ongoing malamang ‘yung communications para magpasa ng isang supplemental budget hangga’t maaga,” she explained.

The senator expressed hope that the supplemental budget could be approved before Congress adjourns, adding that a special session may be convened if needed.

“Kailangan kayanin and of course, kapag gano’n ang mapagkasunduan ng both Houses, I suppose, hihilingin din ‘yung suporta ng Executive. Dahil Executive ang madaragdagan ng pondo para tugunan ang mga urgent na problema sa krisis na ito ng ating mga kababayan,” Hontiveros said.