Senator Bam Aquino on Tuesday urged the government to expand its crisis response by declaring a broader state of national emergency, saying this would empower authorities to impose price controls on essential goods amid the ongoing oil shock.
Aquino said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s declaration of a state of national energy emergency through Executive Order No. 110 may not be sufficient to shield consumers from rising costs.
“Baka hindi kasama dito iyong price control na kapag mayroon tayong state of national emergency, puwedeng lagyan ng price control o price cap iyong essential goods at basic commodities,” Aquino said in a radio interview.
“Iyon naman ang isang hinahanap natin na kapag may state of national emergency or state of calamity ay puwede pong maglagay ng cap sa presyo ng pangunahing bilihin.”
He said he plans to raise the issue during discussions at the Proactive Response and Oversight for Timely and Effective Crisis Strategy (PROTECT) Committee to clarify whether EO 110 allows such interventions.
Beyond price caps, Aquino also pointed out uncertainties surrounding the role of local governments, particularly whether they can tap their quick response funds (QRF) under the current declaration.
“Pangalawa, iyong mga local government units na ating katuwang sa pagtulong sa ating kababayan, puwede nilang magamit ang QRF kapag may state of emergency. Hindi rin klaro kung puwede nilang gamitin iyan,” he said.
The senator further called on the administration to mobilize its estimated ₱200 billion in available funds to provide targeted assistance to vulnerable sectors, including transport workers, micro, small and medium enterprises, farmers, fisherfolk, teachers, and healthcare workers.
Aquino emphasized that stronger and clearer measures are needed to cushion the public from the widening economic impact of rising fuel prices.