Senator Aquino backs national emergency declaration as prices soar

Senator Bam Aquino is backing a declaration of national state of emergency, as he warns that the country is already facing a crisis as prices of commodities surge due to the huge increase in fuel prices.

Aquino said the proactive measure could help the government respond to the impact of record-high oil price hikes and the resulting surge in the cost of goods, which could place a heavy burden on the public and various industries.

“Nasa crisis level na ang ating bansa kaya suportado natin ang pagdedeklara ng state of national emergency ng pamahalaan para matugunan ang patuloy na pagtaas na presyo ng langis at mapagaan ang pasanin ng taumbayan sa mataas na presyo ng bilihin,” he said.

“Huwag na sanang hintayin ng pamahalaan na lumala pa ang sitwasyong ito lalo’t wala pang katiyakan kung kailan matatapos ang kaguluhan sa Gitnang Silangan,” he added

Under a state of national emergency, the President may exercise broader authority to direct government resources to provide financial and other forms of assistance to various sectors, boost funding for the repatriation of overseas Filipino workers in affected areas, and implement price control measures.

“Makatutulong ang hakbang na ito para manatiling kontrolado ng gobyerno ang sitwasyon at mapigilan ang patuloy na paglobo ng presyo ng mga pangunahing bilihin, habang tinitiyak na may sapat na tulong ang mga pinakaapektadong sektor,” he stressed.

However, Aquino stressed the need to strictly monitor the implementation of these measures to ensure that assistance reaches the intended beneficiaries and that no abuses or irregularities occur.

“Sa paggamit ng mga kapangyarihan sa ilalim ng state of national emergency, kailangang nakabantay ang taumbayan para matiyak na hindi ito maaabuso at magagamit sa katiwalian,” he pointed out.

Aquino also reiterated his call for financial assistance to transport workers, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and vulnerable sectors of the middle class to keep the economy afloat.

“Kailangan ng tulong sa ating transport workers, kailangan ng tulong sa mga maliliit na negosyo dahil karamihan po ng Pilipino dito po nagtatrabaho. Huwag natin payagang magsara iyong mga MSMEs natin,” he stressed.

“Ang mahalaga, panatilihin po nating bukas ang mga negosyo, bukas ang mga eskwelahan, at handa, responsive, at effective ang gobyerno pagdating sa tulong na hinahanap ng taumbayan,” he added.