President Marcos has called on the public to help the government manage the impact of the Middle East conflict by refraining from spreading misinformation and fake news.

Marcos said this as he listed in his recent vlog the different initiatives and measures undertaken by his administration to cushion the effects of the ongoing armed tensions in the Middle East, particularly on the price of oil.

“Bawat isa sa atin ay may magagawa namang paraan para makatulong… o kahit sa pamamahagi ng tamang impormasyon at hindi pagkakalat ng fake news (Each of us has something we can do to help… even by sharing correct information and not spreading fake news),” he said in his vlog uploaded to his social media pages on Sunday, March 22.

“Huwag naman sana tayong dumagdag pa sa problema (Let us not add to the problem),” he added.

The President emphasized that unity and responsible information-sharing are crucial as the government continues to address the effects of rising oil prices and global uncertainty.

“Ngayon ang panahon para magtulungan (Now is the time to work together),” he said.

“Alalahanin natin ang pagmamahal natin sa ating mga kababayan. Huwag nating kakalimutan na kapag pinabayaan natin ang isa sa atin, napabayaan na natin ang buong bansa (Let us remember our love for our fellow Filipinos. Let us not forget that when we neglect one of us, we neglect the entire country),” he added.

Marcos assured the public that the government remains present and ready to respond to the needs of Filipinos.

“Asahan naman ninyo na nandito lang ang pamahalaan bilang inyong takbuhan at sandalan (Rest assured that the government is here as your refuge and support),” he said.

President Marcos said the government is studying implementing a price cap on rice.

“Sa awa naman ng Diyos, stable pa [ang mga presyo] at wala namang masyadong pag-abuso (By God’s grace, prices remain stable and there is no significant abuse),” he said.

He added that no sellers were found violating suggested retail prices during recent market inspections.

Marcos reiterated that he ordered the suspension of a planned fare hike to ease the burden on commuters amid rising fuel prices.

“Siguro, hindi ito ang panahon para magtaas ng pamasahe para sa ating mga kababayan (Perhaps this is not the time to raise fares for our countrymen),” he said.

According to the Chief Executive, assistance to the transport sector continues, including fuel subsidies and cash aid for drivers.

The President said programs such as Libreng Sakay and Love Bus remain operational in Metro Manila, Metro Cebu, and Metro Davao.

He added that a 50-percent discount is being implemented in LRT-2 and MRT-3 starting March 23, including discounted Beep cards.

Marcos also noted that nearly 100,000 tricycle drivers have already received fuel subsidies, with nationwide rollout for other transport workers set to begin on April 6.

“Hindi kayo maiiwanan. Hindi kayo pababayaan ng pamahalaan (You will not be left behind. The government will not abandon you),” he said, adding that the government understands the “cries” of the members of the transport sector.

Marcos said the government is working to ensure a stable power supply, with 23 projects expected to add 900 megawatts to the grid.

He added that the government is also coordinating with partner countries, including India, China, Japan, Thailand, Brunei, and South Korea, to secure oil supply.

The President said repatriation efforts for Filipinos in the Middle East continue, with more than 1,418 overseas Filipino workers and 334 dependents already brought home as of March 17.

He added that returning OFWs are being assisted with accommodation and flights to their home provinces.

President Marcos closed his message by urging Filipinos to embody the spirit of bayanihan in facing the crisis.

“Ngayon ang panahon para maipakita natin sa buong mundo ang katangian ng bayanihan na nasa puso ng bawat Pilipino (Now is the time to show the world the spirit of bayanihan that lives in every Filipino),” he said.