The Philippines has taken a stand on the ongoing conflict in Eastern Europe and assured the public that measures are in place to weather the economic and trade effects of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles made the announcement as the conflict between neighboring countries Ukraine and Russia continues.
In a televised statement on Wednesday, March 2, Nograles said the country is joining the rest of the world in praying for an "early and peaceful" resolution to the conflict in Ukraine, especially since the world is still reeling from the effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
"We reiterate the position of the Philippines that war benefits no one and that it exacts a tragic, bloody toll on the lives of innocent men, women, and children in the areas of conflict," he said.
"We appeal for an immediate end to the unnecessary loss of life and call on the states involved to forge an accord that can help prevent a conflagration that could engulf a world still struggling to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic," he added.
He expressed hope that the world's leaders will make the right decision, keeping in mind the lives of everyone.
"The course of history and the fate of our world will be shaped by the decisions that will be made by its leaders," Nograles said.
"We are one in prayer, together with all peace-loving citizens, that they are guided by wisdom and a genuine desire to save lives, establish harmony among neighboring nations, and forge a just and lasting peace for humanity," he added.
Measures
According to Nograles, President Duterte has given assurances that mitigating measures and contingency plans will be in place as part of the government’s proactive response to the conflict in Ukraine.
"The conflict in Ukraine has economic, trade, and human resource implications for our country and for our people," he said.
"As we monitor the current situation, every Filipino has the right to know what the government is doing to prepare for any eventuality," he added.
On March 1, President Duterte convened several members of his Cabinet, along with top officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP), and other high-ranking officials, to discuss possible scenarios should the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict continue and escalate.
The acting Palace spokesman said that Duterte approved the recommendations of his Economic Team to strengthen our domestic economy, stabilize food prices, provide social protection, and explore diplomatic channels to help resolve the conflict.
As to food stability, the Chief Executive has approved the following recommendations of the Department of Agriculture (DA) to boost local food production:
- Implementation of Plant, Plant, Plant Part Two
- Increase rice buffer stock to not less than 30 days
- Distribution of cash aid to rice farmers
- Address the increasing prices of fertilizer by giving a fertilizer subsidy and market access through bilateral discussions with fertilizer-producing countries
- Distribution of fuel discount vouchers to farmers and fisherfolk
- Boos production and research to decrease the prices of feeds
- Extension of logistical support such as food mobilization from the regions to cities through the Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita program
- Deployment of Kadwa mobile vans/trucks
- Implementation of subsidy for the transportation cost of basic goods
According to Nograles, the government is prepared to implement the Price Control Law if necessary.
The government will likewise continue talks with partners and heighten negotiations with non-traditional partners to address threats to agricultural exports while improving the country's digital agricultural infrastructure and system.
On the supply of oil, President Duteret approved the recommendations of the Department of Energy (DOE) to implement the P2.5-billion Pantawid Pasada and P500-million fuel discount program for farmers and fisherfolk.
"The DOE will continue to monitor the sufficiency in supply and quality and will make sure there will be no short-selling," Nograles said.
Medium-term measures
Meanwhile, Malacañang called on Congress to review the Oil Deregulation Law, particularly provisions on unbundling the price, and the inclusion of the minimum inventory requirements in the law. It likewise asked Congress to give the government intervention powers/authority to intervene when there is a spike and/or prolonged increase of prices of oil products.
Also, among the government's medium-term measures are the building of the strategic petroleum reserve infrastructure, ensuring Minimum Inventory Requirements, and advocating for energy conservation and efficiency.
According to Nograles, President Duterte approved the following recommendations of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI):
- Accelerate renewable energy adoption
- Support investments in Utility-Scale Battery Storage to maximize utilization of renewable energy sources
- Support investments in modern storage facilities for oil and grains to increase within-the-border holding capacity and empower the private sector to help in strategic stockpiling
Meanwhile, he said the AFP and the PNP gave assurances that government troops and military and police assets stand ready and that they have respective contingencies prepared for any developments.