MANILA — Senator Bam Aquino called on the government to take immediate steps to protect farmers, fisherfolk, and small vendors, warning that rising fuel costs and inflation threaten the country’s food security.

Speaking at a Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform hearing, Aquino stressed that higher fuel prices are not just a transport issue but a direct threat to the production and supply of food.

“Kailangan nating kumilos para sa ating mga magsasaka, mangingisda, maliliit na manininda. Sila po ang dahilan at ang pinagmumulan ng pagkaing iniuuwi natin sa ating pamilya,” he said.

“Ipakita po natin na kaya nating magkaisa para sa taumbayan. Magtrabaho po tayo para siguraduhin na sa gitna ng krisis, may pagkain na ihahain ang bawat magulang,” Aquino added.

He warned that without swift action, ordinary Filipinos could face shortages or higher food prices. “Huwag po natin hintayin ang punto na kailangan pong mamili ang taumbayan kung sino po sa kanila ang kakain sa kanilang pamilya,” he said.

Aquino noted that the recent fuel price hikes have fueled inflation, which reached 4.1 percent in March, and are putting pressure on small businesses, market vendors, and daily wage earners.

“Ang mga nagtitinda sa palengke na araw-araw ay pasan ang bigat ng renta sa pwesto. Ang bawat pisong pambayad sa renta o mahal na langis ay direktang bawas sa kakarampot na kita na pambili ng pagkain ng kanilang pamilya,” he said.

He also criticized the government’s slow implementation of Republic Act No. 12316, which allows the President to suspend or reduce excise taxes on petroleum products, and renewed his call to suspend the value-added tax on fuel to provide immediate relief.

Aquino has filed Senate Bill No. 2011 to amend Republic Act No. 7581, the Price Act, so that petroleum products could be subject to price ceilings during national emergencies, aiming to shield vulnerable sectors from rising costs.