To further conserve fuel amid skyrocketing pump prices, President Duterte urged the public to just take mass transit services, particularly trains.
"Ako pa sa inyo (If I were you), you better learn or practice now to ride itong mga MRT, LRT (the Metro Rail Transit and Light Rail Transit lines)," Duterte said in his pre-recorded "Talk to the People" address aired Tuesday morning, March 22.
"That would be the single functional mode to move people from one place to another, or from one point to another. So kung wala na talaga, dito na lang kayo sa train (If you can't afford it, just take the train," he added.
Duterte said that taking public transportation would help motorists save money due to high fuel prices that have also been affecting the costs of other basic goods to go up.
"Yung mga mayaman sila lang ang maka-afford ng oil. Iyong mga — tayo, may sasakyan tayo pero mataas masyado ‘yung presyo ng gasolina. Mag-bus ka na lang talaga o ‘yung MRT (Only the rich can afford the oil. Those like us who have cars but fuel prices are too high, just take the bus or the MRT)," he added.
According to Duterte, the country will continue to bear the brunt of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine which has already affected the supply of oil in the world market.
"There is inflation everywhere kasi may gulo (because of the tension)... Huwag kayong maghihinakit na tumataas ang presyo. Lahat sa mundo tinatamaan ngayon (Don't hold a grudge because of the rising prices. Everything in the wold is affected)," he said.
Duterte likewise recalled the time when people were given coupons to limit the consumption of fuel, adding that we might go back to that situation if the conflict persists.
"Baka magbalik tayo sa ganoong sitwasyon (We might go back to that situation). I hope will not reduce the oil ," he said.
While he is hoping for the "stupid war" to end soon, Duterte reiterated that the Philippines' stand will remain neutral.
"At this time, we choose to remain neutral. Huwag na muna tayong makialam (Let us not interfere)," he noted.