MANILA — Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson called on the public to pray for global stability, citing growing economic strain and geopolitical tensions linked to developments involving former US President Donald Trump.

In a post on X, Lacson compared current global uncertainties to the COVID-19 pandemic, urging vigilance and hope.

“Only a few years ago, we outlived the coronavirus, also known as Covid-19. Pray that the world will survive Trump-26,” he said on X.

Lacson attributed ongoing economic difficulties in the Philippines to the conflict in the Middle East, which involves the United States and its allies. He said the situation has been aggravated by what he described as Trump’s “whimsical arrogance in treating even the US’ long time allies.”

The tensions have affected global oil supply, contributing to a spike in fuel prices in the Philippines. Diesel prices were estimated to reach as high as P144 per liter, kerosene up to P168.79 per liter, and gasoline up to P111 per liter this week.

Lacson said these rising costs have worsened the financial burden on Filipinos.

Meanwhile, Roy Vincent Trinidad, spokesperson of the Armed Forces of the Philippines for the West Philippine Sea, reported increased Chinese maritime activity in the area. He said the military monitored 90 Chinese vessels in key features in March, higher than the 62 vessels recorded in February.

Trinidad added that China appears to be taking advantage of global attention focused on the Middle East conflict to intensify its presence in the West Philippine Sea.

Earlier, Lacson criticized what he described as Trump’s brinkmanship, saying it has triggered consequences affecting not only the Philippines but the broader international community. He said Trump should be held accountable for his actions by both the global community and the United States.

On Tuesday, Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform that countries facing jet fuel shortages due to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz could source fuel from the US, or “get your own oil.”