MANILA — Malacañang reminded the public not to exploit rising tensions in the Middle East, emphasizing that those who take advantage of the situation could face legal consequences.

“Ang panawagan ng Pangulo ay magkaisa tayo kung ano ang nangyayari po ngayon sa Middle East. Dapat tayo magkaisa at magtulungan. Hindi tayo kinakailangang maghatakan pababa,” Presidential Spokesperson Claire Castro said in New York City.

(The President is calling for unity amid what’s happening in the Middle East. We should unite and help each other.)

She also warned that profiteers could be held accountable.

“At sa mga tao, hindi dapat kayo magsamantala. Ang gusto ng Pangulo ay magtulungan tayo. Kapag kayo ay nagsamantala, meron kayong kalalagyan. Kayo ay madedemanda at maaaring matanggalan kayo ng pagkakataon na kayo ay makapagnegosyo,” Castro added.

(To the public, you should not take advantage of the situation. The President wants us to help each other. If we take advantage of the situation, we could be held accountable. We may face charges and we may lose our chance to acquire businesses.)

In a video message last week, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. assured Filipinos that the government is monitoring the prices of basic goods as oil prices are expected to rise, which could affect commodity costs. He said the administration is prepared for major pump price increases and is coordinating with Congress to grant him authority to reduce excise taxes once crude oil prices exceed $80 per barrel.

Tensions in the Middle East escalated after US and Israeli airstrikes killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, which former US President Donald Trump publicly celebrated. Iranian state media later confirmed the death. Trump also said that US combat operations in Iran would continue until objectives are achieved, noting that three US service members were killed and additional casualties are likely.