MANILA – Malacañang on Tuesday assured the public that there is currently no need to declare a state of national emergency despite the continued rise in fuel prices, emphasizing that the government remains firmly in control of the situation.
In a press briefing in Mandaue City, Cebu, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is closely monitoring developments in the oil sector, stressing that conditions do not warrant extraordinary measures such as government takeover of oil companies.
“Sa ngayon po ay wala pa tayo sa ganitong sitwasyon,” Castro said, dismissing calls for the President to invoke emergency powers under Republic Act 8479, or the Oil Deregulation Law.
She maintained that both the President and the government are “in control of the situation,” assuring the public that mechanisms are in place to manage the impact of rising oil prices.
Castro noted that the Department of Energy (DOE) is in constant coordination with oil firms to closely monitor supply levels and pricing movements. This ongoing engagement, she said, helps maintain market stability despite external pressures, particularly tensions in the Middle East that have driven global oil prices upward.
Her statement came after Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) Representative and House Deputy Speaker Raymond Democrito Mendoza urged the administration to consider declaring a national emergency. Mendoza cited provisions under the Oil Deregulation Law that allow the DOE to temporarily take over or direct oil industry operations during crises.
However, Castro reiterated that such intervention is unnecessary at this time, given the government’s existing tools to address the situation.
She also called on the public to remain calm and avoid spreading undue alarm.
“Ang pakiusap lamang po natin… let us refrain from fearmongering. Mas nakakadagdag po ito ng takot sa ating mga kababayan,” she said.
Meanwhile, the administration is exploring measures to cushion the impact of higher fuel costs, including possible adjustments to taxes on petroleum products. Castro said these proposals are currently being studied and may be submitted to Congress for legislative action.
She added that any move to amend or repeal the Oil Deregulation Law ultimately rests with lawmakers.
“Nasa Kongreso na po ‘yan… Lahat ng ikagaganda ng bansa ay hindi tututulan ng Pangulo,” Castro said.
iamigo/xf
