PND
MANILA – Calling for unity amid tensions in the Middle East, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Sunday urged Filipinos to uphold the spirit of “bayanihan” (spirit of communal unity) as the government rolls out measures to ease the burden on commuters and vulnerable sectors.
“Ngayon ang panahon para ma-ipakita natin sa buong mundo ang katangian ng bayanihan na nasa puso ng bawat Pilipino (Now is the time for us to show the world the character of solidarity that is in the heart of every Filipino),” the President said in BBMVLOG 278, stressing the need for collective action as rising global fuel prices affect the country.
The President urged the public to remain responsible, particularly in sharing information.
“Pagtulong sa kapwa, o kahit sa pamamahagi ng tamang impormasyon at hindi pagkakalat ng fake news, huwag naman sana tayong magdagdag pa sa problema (By helping others, or even by sharing correct information and not spreading fake news, let’s not add to the problem),” the President added.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment, the President said Filipinos can rely on state support during the crisis.
“Asahan naman ninyo na nandito lang ang pamahalaan bilang inyong takbuhan at sandalan … Huwag natin kakalimutan na kapag pinabayaan natin ang isa sa atin, napabayaan na natin ang buong bansa (Expect the government to be here as your refuge and support… Let’s not forget that when we neglect one of us, we neglect the entire country),” he said.
Acknowledging the strain on commuters, President Marcos ordered the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to suspend the planned fare increase.
“Siguro hindi ito ang panahon para magtaas ng pamasahe para sa ating mga kababayan. Kaya ini-utos ko sa DOTr na suspindihin muna ang fare hike (Maybe this is not the time to increase fares for our countrymen. That’s why I ordered the DOTr to suspend the fare hike for now),” the President said.
To further support the public, President Marcos said the government will continue its free ride programs in major urban centers, including Metro Manila, Metro Cebu and Metro Davao.
Meanwhile, the President noted passengers of Light Rail Transit-2 and Metro Rail Transit-3 will receive a 50-percent fare discount beginning March 23 through designated Beep cards, with existing discounts for persons with disabilities, senior citizens and students remaining in place.
The administration is also expanding financial assistance to transport workers and other affected sectors. Fuel subsidies have already been distributed to nearly 100,000 tricycle drivers, with additional aid set to roll out nationwide starting April 6.
Cash relief and subsidy programs are likewise being implemented across various government agencies.
“Naiintindihan natin ang sigaw ng mga nagpoprotesta na kababayan natin … pero gusto kong ulitin sa inyo, hindi kayo maiiwanan. Hindi kayo pababayaan ng pamahalaan (We understand the cries of our fellow countrymen who are protesting… but I want to repeat to you, you will not be left behind. The government will not abandon you),” he assured.
The President said the government is closely monitoring the prices of basic goods, noting that current market checks show prices remain stable and within suggested retail levels. Efforts are ongoing to coordinate with manufacturers to ensure the continued supply of essential commodities.
On food security, President Marcos reported that the PHP20 rice program is being implemented in 177 local government units, with plans to expand coverage.
“Sa bigas, wala tayong problema. Sapat ang supply at nakokontrol pa natin ang presyo (We have no problem with rice. The supply is sufficient and we can even control the price),” the President said, adding that a possible price cap is under review.
To address energy concerns, President Marcos noted that the government is coordinating with power generation companies to boost electricity supply, with 23 projects expected to add 900 megawatts to the grid in the coming months.
Talks are also underway with several countries, including India, Japan, and South Korea, to secure oil supply amid global tightening.
At the same time, President Marcos assured continued assistance for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) affected by the conflict.
More than 1,400 OFWs and over 300 dependents have returned to the country since early March, with additional repatriation flights expected in the coming days.
“Tuloy-tuloy naman ang pagdating ng ating mga kababayan mula sa Gitnang Silangan … tinitiyak natin na naaalagaan sila,” the President said. “Kaya tinitiyak naman natin na makakapag-hotel muna sila at binu-book natin sila sa mga flight na papunta sa kanilang mga probinsya. Tinitiyak natin na naaalagaan sila naman (Our compatriots from the Middle East continue to arrive… we are making sure they are taken care of,” the President said. “So we are making sure they can get hotels first and we are booking them on flights to their provinces. We are making sure they are taken care of),” the President said. (PND)
