House Speaker Faustino "Bojie" Dy III reminded Filipinos of their historical resilience as a people in the face of a worrisome and potentially protracted fuel price crisis.

"Sa kasaysayan ng ating bansa, maraming beses na po tayong nakaranas ng mga pagsubok—mga bagyo, krisis, at mga pangyayaring tila wala sa ating kontrol (Throughout our nation’s history, we have faced many trials—storms, crises, and events seemingly beyond our control)," Dy said in a statement Monday, March 9.

"We have confronted challenging moments before, and each time the strength and unity of the Filipino people have carried us through," noted the solon from Isabela.

Delivering a pep talk for his constituents, the House Speaker said: "Napatunayan na po natin na kapag tayo ay nagbubuklud-buklod at nagmamalasakit sa isa’t isa, walang hamon na hindi natin kayang lampasan (We have proven that when we stand together and care for one another, no challenge is insurmountable)."

Filipino consumers and motorists are facing the prospects of a staggering P17 to P24 per liter hike on local pump fuel prices this week. This, as hostilities in the oil-producing Middle East persist to the detriment of the rest of the world.

In light of this, Dy assured his countrymen that officials in government are doing all they can to bring them much-needed relief.

"We recognize that this is a challenge we must face head on, which is why the House of Representatives will work with the executive to focus on measures that will help cushion the effects of rising oil prices on the various sectors of our economy—especially our workers, commuters, farmers, and small businesses," he said.

Specifically, the 300-plus strong House is pushing for the swift passage of a measure that would allow the sitting President to temporarily suspend excise tax on fuel products during such emergencies.

"Patuloy pong kikilos ang inyong pamahalaan, patuloy pong magtatrabaho ang inyong Kongreso, at patuloy po nating pangangalagaan ang bawat Pilipino (Your government will continue to act, your Congress will continue to work, and we will continue to safeguard every Filipino),"

Dy added: "Dumaan man ang mga problema, ang tunay na lakas ng Pilipinas ay nasa tapang, pagkakaunawaan, at pagkakaisa ng sambayanan (Though problems may come, the true strength of the Philippines lies in the courage, understanding, and unity of its people)."

"Kagaya po ng maraming balakid na ating nalampasan, makakaasa po kayong magkakasama nating haharapin ang hamong ito—at magkakasama rin tayong babangon: nang mas malakas, mas payapa, at mas panatag ang loob para sa kinabukasan ng ating bayan," he further said.

(Just as we have overcome many obstacles before, you can be assured that we will face this challenge together—and together we will rise: stronger, more peaceful, and more secure in our future as a nation.)