Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go called for an urgent and sweeping government response to cushion the impact of soaring oil prices, emphasizing the need to immediately mobilize available resources to assist affected sectors.
Speaking during a Senate Committee on Agriculture hearing on Wednesday, April 8, Go stressed that delays in action would only worsen the burden on ordinary Filipinos already grappling with rising costs.
“Mabilisan dapat ito! Hindi pwedeng pag-usapan lang natin ito nang matagal habang naghihirap ang mga tao,” the senator urged, emphasizing the need for swift intervention.
Go described the situation as deeply frustrating, noting how the continuous increase in fuel prices has taken a toll on the public. “Talagang nakakainis, nakakapanghina na halos araw-araw tumataas ang presyo ng langis,” he said, reflecting the growing sentiment among Filipinos.
To address the crisis, Go has filed a proposed measure similar to the Bayanihan laws enacted during the COVID-19 pandemic. The proposed legislation, which he referred to as a Fuel Crisis Immediate Relief and Response Bill, aims to provide a comprehensive and rapid government response to mitigate the effects of the oil price surge.
He further suggested that the government should tap into unused funds to immediately support vulnerable sectors. According to him, funds that are not urgently needed for other programs could be temporarily realigned to address the crisis.
“Kung may mga pondo na hindi pa nagagamit o hindi naman agad kailangan, baka puwedeng iyon muna ang gamitin para makatulong sa ating mga kababayan,” Go said, pointing to the urgency of reallocating resources.
The senator emphasized that the scale of the problem requires decisive action, noting that the issue goes beyond millions and involves billions of pesos that could be redirected for immediate relief.
He also expressed support for ongoing efforts in the Senate to craft responsive policies, saying he is ready to back measures that would accelerate assistance to those affected.
Go underscored that the oil crisis is not limited to a single sector, as it continues to ripple across the entire economy, affecting transportation, food production, and household expenses.
“Lahat po ng Pilipino apektado rito. Kaya dapat sama-sama tayong kumilos at bilisan ang solusyon,” he added.
