Manila, Philippines – Senator JV Ejercito has advised Filipinos to brace for a potential crisis as tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate, particularly due to its impact on global oil supply and prices.
According to the senator, the public must prepare for the situation and treat it with the same level of seriousness as the crisis experienced during the pandemic. He emphasized that the current conditions are far from normal and should not be taken lightly.
Ejercito explained that the ongoing conflict in the region could have direct consequences not only on the Philippine economy but also on the safety and livelihood of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). Because of this, he is calling for immediate government action to mitigate the possible effects on Filipinos both at home and abroad.
The senator also criticized the administration of President Bongbong Marcos Jr. for what he described as a slow response to the situation. He noted that the country’s minimum fuel inventory should have been increased earlier to prepare for possible supply shortages.
He further stressed that the ongoing congressional break should not be used as an excuse for delays, saying lawmakers can still convene even while in recess.
Despite his criticism, Ejercito acknowledged the President’s move to declare a State of National Energy Emergency. However, he maintained that the declaration would have been more effective if it had been made earlier, especially since tensions in the Middle East had already been escalating for nearly a month.
It can be recalled that on March 24, President Marcos officially declared a National Energy Emergency to address the potential impact of the Middle East crisis on the country’s energy supply.