Recto: Oil crisis committee will sustain government effortsMANILA, Philippines — The crisis committee President Marcos ordered created “does not start, but sustains and strengthens” the multiple mitigation measures to cushion the impact of the ongoing crisis in the Middle East on vulnerable sectors, Executive Secretary Ralph Recto said yesterday. “This is the same sense of urgency that justifies the creation of a committee that will address a still evolving situation,” Recto added. He maintained the government is making available tens of billions of pesos for aid that would mitigate the effects of skyrocketing oil prices on vulnerable groups. ‘Acknowledge the crisis’Senators urged the Marcos administration to officially acknowledge the ongoing economic situation as an “oil crisis,” criticizing Malacañang’s recent statements downplaying the severe impact of consecutive pump price hikes on Filipino households. Legarda pointed out that the official was present at the Senate the previous week to lobby for biofuels, yet was missing during a critical hearing specifically convened to address the oil crisis.

Source: Philippine Star March 24, 2026 16:06 UTC