Senate Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito criticized the government’s response to the crisis faced by the Philippines amid tensions in the Middle East.
During the Kapihan sa Senado on Wednesday, March 25, Ejercito said the government’s actions appear to be reactive in addressing the situation.
“Hindi naman mabagal. Mukhang sobra lang ang bagal. Reactive, e. Isipin mo, kung narinig mo kahapon mismo, naka-break daw ang Congress,” the lawmaker said.
He added,
“My God, crisis na tayo. Naka-break daw ang Congress. Emergency situation, the President may call on Congress at any time.”
It can be recalled that during the first hearing of the Senate Proactive Response and Oversight for Timely and Effective Crisis Strategy (PROTECT) Committee on Tuesday, March 24, Ejercito was among those who believe the country is already facing a crisis.
“Hindi na po normal ang sitwasyon. And what we have to do right now is to do the preparation just like during the COVID-19 when there was uncertainty.”
Later that day, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared the country under a state of national energy emergency.
Ejercito expressed hope that the government would roll out concrete actions to effectively address the ongoing crisis.