MANILA – Senator Bam Aquino urged the government to safeguard public markets, hospitals, and schools as fuel prices surge amid the ongoing Middle East crisis, warning that Filipino families are already feeling the strain.

Speaking at a Proactive Response and Oversight for Timely and Effective Crisis Strategy (PROTECT) Committee hearing, Aquino highlighted the rising cost of diesel and gasoline, now exceeding PHP100 per liter, and its effect on the prices of basic goods.

“Halos isang buwan na po na nasa krisis ang ating bansa. Ngayon araw, mahigit isang daang piso na ang kada litro ng diesel at gasolina. Ramdam na ramdam na po ng pamilyang Pilipino ang mabigat na epekto ng pagtaas ng presyo ng bilihin bago pa nangyari ang krisis na ito,” he said.

Aquino emphasized that government intervention should focus on monitoring prices in public markets and immediately releasing financial aid to farmers, fisherfolk, vendors, and consumers to stabilize prices and protect livelihoods.

“Una po, tutukan ang presyo ng bilihin sa palengke, Ilabas na po ang nakalaang ayuda para sa mga magsasaka at sa mga nagtitinda. Kailangan ito upang hindi sila mapilitang magtaas ng presyo, at upang may maiuwi sila na sapat na kita para sa kanilang pamilya,” he said. “Kasabay po nito, kailangan ding suportahan ang mga namimili upang mayroon silang panggastos at upang patuloy ang pag-ikot ng ating lokal na ekonomiya.”

The senator also called for targeted subsidies for healthcare workers to ensure uninterrupted hospital services and stressed the importance of keeping schools open, citing the long-term impact of closures during the pandemic.

While noting that the government has PHP220 billion allocated for assistance under the 2026 national budget, Aquino criticized delays in implementation and stressed the key role of local government units in delivering aid efficiently.

“Kailangan ng tamang pokus at mabilis na implementasyon. Sa layuning ito, ang ating mga Lokal na Pamahalaan ang ating pinakamabisang katuwang. Sila po ang nakakaalam sa tunay na pangangailangan ng komunidad at sila ang mabilis na makakapagpaabot ng tulong sa mga kababayan natin,” he said.

Aquino also urged a holistic repatriation program for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and called on the government to use the country’s ASEAN chairmanship to lead efforts to operationalize the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), aimed at strengthening regional cooperation during oil supply disruptions.

He reiterated his earlier call for immediate financial assistance to transport workers, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and vulnerable middle-class sectors.

“Ilabas na ang ayuda para sa transport workers, MSMEs, nurses, guro, at iba pa. Tulungan natin ang mga mangingisda at magsasaka na nagpapakain sa ating bansa. Magkaisa po tayo kasama ang mga lokal na pamahalaan upang tugunan ang pangangailangan ng bawat pamilyang Pilipino,” Aquino said.