President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has denounced incidents of fuel hoarding and theft amid the ongoing oil crisis, calling on Filipinos to embrace “bayanihan” and discipline during a period of economic strain.
In his weekly vlog, Marcos appealed for compassion and solidarity as global tensions continue to push petroleum prices higher.
“Ito ang panahon para ipakita at isabuhay ang inyong pagka-Pilipino… Sa panahon ng kagipitan, dapat ay mangibabaw ang ating pakikipagkapwa-tao. Ito ang kabayanihan na maaari nating ipakita ngayon,” the President said.
Marcos admitted feeling both saddened and angered by reports of individuals prioritizing self-interest at the expense of others.
“Nakakalungkot at nakakagalit din. Ang iba sa ating mga nakikitang insidente kamakailan. Dahil sa kalagitnaan nitong pinagdadaanan natin ay pinili nilang isipin lang ang kanilang mga sarili,” he said.
“Nakakalungkot naman masyadong makakita ng lahat ito. Bagama’t naintindihan natin ang kalagayan ng bawat isa, hindi ito nagpapahintulot sa atin na gumawa ng mga ganitong bagay.”
The Chief Executive warned against unauthorized fuel storage, stressing that only those with legitimate operational needs—such as fishermen, marine operators, hospitals, and facilities reliant on generator sets—should be permitted to keep oil supplies.
“Huwag ninyo ring ilalagay sa panganib ang mga kapitbahay ninyo. Sa paghahanap natin ng ginhawa, huwag naman sana tayong manlamang sa kapwa. Hindi ganyan ang Pilipino,” he said.
At the same time, Marcos praised acts of volunteerism, noting that many Filipinos continue to help others through community pantries, feeding programs, and relief efforts.
“At syempre, marami ring iba dyan ay hindi nagpo-post sa social media. Tumutulong na lang. Maraming maraming salamat sa iyo. Ganyan ang Filipino. Gusto ko kayong saluduhan at pasalamatan,” he said.
The President reiterated that while the government remains committed to mitigating the impact of the energy crisis brought about by conflict in the Middle East, collective action is vital.
“Pero hindi ito magiging sapat kung wala ang tulong ng bawat isa, kung wala ang kawanggawa ng bawat isa, kung wala ang panalangin at positibong pag-iisip ng bawat isa. Ipakita ninyo ang inyong pagka-Pinoy sa panahon na ito. Magtulong-tulong tayo,” he added.