Executive Secretary Ralph Recto on Tuesday said the crisis committee formed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will consolidate and strengthen existing government measures aimed at shielding the Philippines from the impact of the Middle East conflict.
Recto emphasized that the body is not starting from scratch but will build on steps already taken since hostilities escalated.
“The government immediately scrambled all resources to shield the nation from the immediate fallout,” he said in a statement.
He underscored that assistance has already been rolled out across multiple sectors:
“At may resibo ang aming tugon. Financial aid was and continues to be given. Fuel subsidy being distributed to tens of thousands of drivers. OFWs have been flown out of harm’s way aboard chartered flights. Energy conservation measures have been put in place,” he added.
Recto also highlighted recent relief measures, including reduced toll fees, lower airport passenger charges, and decreased aircraft landing fees. Additional support is expected for farmers and fisherfolk to help offset rising fuel costs.
“We are farming out to the countryside soon to help farmers and fishermen with the gas bill of their tractors and boats,” Recto said.
According to Recto, tens of billions of pesos in financial aid are being prepared for vulnerable sectors, alongside ongoing efforts to secure fuel supply agreements, some of which are being pursued discreetly.
“Tuloy-tuloy ang pagbigay ng tulong. What we have is non-stop conveyor of assorted assistance to the people,” he said.
He noted that the government began responding within hours of the United States and Israel coordinated strikes on Iran, with the creation of the crisis committee meant to formalize and scale up coordination.
“The formation of the committee merely consolidates all the efforts that have been undertaken,” he said, adding: “The next logical option is to create the administrative structure to better handle a possible long-drawn-out crisis.”
Recto acknowledged that recovery may take time, warning that continued damage to global oil and gas infrastructure could push prices higher.
“This is the same sense of urgency that justifies the creation of a committee that will address a still evolving situation,” he said.