Senate Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito has pressed government agencies to stop “sugarcoating” reports when updating President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on developments in the Middle East, warning that incomplete or embellished briefings could lead to flawed decisions.
“Sa ganitong krisis, hindi puwedeng minamaliit o pinapaganda ang ulat. Kailangan malaman ng Pangulo ang buong katotohanan dahil bawat maling impormasyon, maling desisyon ang kapalit,” Ejercito said, stressing that transparency is critical in times of global uncertainty.
The senator pointed out that delays and gaps in government action often stem from inaccurate reporting, particularly as rising global tensions threaten economic stability.
“Kapag tumaas ang presyo ng langis, sabi ko nga, domino effect ito, tataas ang pamasahe, pati ang presyo ng pagkain, at iba pang pangunahing bilihin. Sa huli, ang mamamayan na naman ang direktang naaapektuhan,” he noted.
Ejercito urged officials to provide ground-level data, highlighting the Philippines’ vulnerability to inflationary pressures.
“Ang tunay na may malasakit sasabihin ang totoo, kahit hindi man ito maganda sa pandinig,” he said, framing his remarks as constructive criticism.
He emphasized that accurate information and coordinated government action are essential to mitigate the economic impact of global instability.
“Kung kulang o mali ang datos na umaabot sa Pangulo, paano tayo makakagawa ng tamang solusyon? Sa ganitong panahon, hindi pwede ang guesswork, dapat facts,” Ejercito stressed.
His statement underscores a push for transparency and accountability in crisis management, pointing to the vital role of reliable data in shaping effective government response.