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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Aquino backs declaration of state of national emergency to curb price hikes

Aquino backs declaration of state of national emergency to curb price hikes

Published Mar 22, 2026 02:19 pm

At A Glance

  • Senator Paolo "Bam" Aquino IV has expressed his support for a declaration of a state of national emergency to help curb the increasing prices of basic commodities.

Senator Paolo "Bam" Aquino IV has expressed his support for a declaration of a state of national emergency to help curb the increasing prices of basic commodities.
Aquino noted that the country is already at crisis level due to the sharp increase in oil costs amid the Middle East conflict.
Therefore, Aquino said such proactive measure could help the government respond to the impact of high oil prices and the resulting surge in the cost of basic goods and commodities.
"The country is already in a crisis level that's why we support the declaration of a state of national emergency by the government in order to address the continuing oil price hikes and to cushion the impact on our people especially on the price of basic goods," Aquino said.
"I hope the government won't wait for the situation to worsen especially since we don't know when the conflict in the Middle East will stop," he also said.
The President may exercise broader authority to direct government resources to provide financial and other forms of assistance to various sectors, boost funding for the repatriation of overseas Filipino workers in affected areas, and implement price control measures should there be a declaration of a state of national emergency.
"This will help the government control the situation and stop the prices of basic goods from bloating, while making sure there is sufficient assistance for affected sectors," he pointed out.
Still, Aquino stressed the need to strictly monitor the implementation of these measures to ensure that all intended beneficiaries will benefit and that no abuses or irregularities occur.
"We need to be vigilant against any possible abuses under a state of national emergency," he said.
The senator also reiterated his call for financial assistance to transport workers, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and vulnerable sectors of the middle class to keep the economy afloat.
"Our transport workers need help, small businesses need help because many Filipinos could not work. Let's prevent our MSMEs from closing shop," he pointed out.

Related Tags

Bam Aquino OIL PRICE HIKE State of emergency
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