MANILA – Malacañang is still reviewing calls for President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to declare a state of economic emergency in the midst of price hikes on petroleum products caused by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
This comes after Albay Representative Joey Salceda asked Duterte to declare an economic emergency, stressing that doing so would allow local government units (LGUs) to use their calamity funds to address fuel price hikes.
According to Acting presidential spokesperson and Communications Secretary Martin Andanar, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua presented 14 suggestions to cushion the effect of the Russia-Ukraine crisis during Duterte’s Talk to the People on Monday night.
Duterte supported the recommendations of Chua and urged the legislators to discuss with his economic team.
“Ito ay masusing pag-aaralan ng Palasyo sa pamamagitan ng Office of the Executive Secretary at nagpresenta nga kagabi ang economic team ni Pangulo ng proposed government interventions kaya tingnan natin kung ang mga ito ay sapat na (The Palace is thoroughly reviewing this through the Office of the Executive Secretary and the President’s economic team presented last time proposed government interventions so we are trying to find out if these are enough),” Andanar said.
In a separate press briefing, Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi stated that declaring a state of economic emergency is “unnecessary at this point”.
He guaranteed that the administration is doing “everything” to resolve the recent oil price hikes.
“It’s a total effort of everybody to face the problem. Hopefully, this problem will not last long,” he said.
Joint ventures
Meanwhile, Andanar voiced hope for future joint ventures between the Philippines and China for the purpose of exploring energy sources in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), stating that such ventures would benefit the country economically.
“Lahat ng (All) alternative sources of energy be that from solar, from gas, from under the sea ay makakatulong po sa ating mga Pilipino (would help Filipinos). You know, energy is a problem that is not exclusive to the Philippines. Ang buong mundo ay kailangan ng sapat na enerhiya (The whole world needs enough energy),” he said.
Duterte stressed the importance for the next administration to honor Philippine commitments on the proposed joint oil exploration with China in the disputed sea.
“Sundin lang ninyo kung ano yung pinag-usapan noon (Just follow what was discussed before). It’s a matter of honor…Consensual talks tapos may (and a) written agreement. Pag iniba ‘yan delikado (If you change it, it’s dangerous),” Duterte said.
9 Replies to “Palace: Plan to declare state of economic emergency still under study”