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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Ejercito calls for protection of middle class amid ongoing fuel crisis

Ejercito calls for protection of middle class amid ongoing fuel crisis

Published Mar 24, 2026 03:50 pm

At A Glance

  • The government should not forget the middle class Filipinos who also bear the impact of the ongoing fuel crisis, considering that they do not receive any government assistance.

The government should not forget the middle class Filipinos who also bear the impact of the ongoing fuel crisis, considering that they do not receive any government assistance.

Sen. Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito pointed this out during the hearing of the Proactive Response and Oversight for Timely and Effective Crisis Strategy (PROTECT) Committee on Tuesday, March 24, 2026.

Ejercito warned that middle-income earners also carry a significant burden similar to those in the most vulnerable sectors such as minimum wage earners, overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers. 

“We also need to focus on our middle class income earners who make up 40 percent of our population. They are also sharing and bearing the brunt of this crisis but there is no aid provided for them,” Ejercito said.

“Now is the best time to assess what the government has been doing so far, and to inquire on the economic impact of the Middle East tension not just to our country as a whole, but more specifically to Filipino households,” he stressed. 

Compared to Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia which have been giving subsidies, implementing tariff suspensions and strategic oil reserves, the Philippines risks falling behind without a coordinated response.

“It would be good if, in the midst of this crisis, it could immediately be formed and put into action to provide immediate solutions,” Ejercito said.

Related Tags

JV Ejercito MIDDLE EAST CONFLICT Protect ad hoc committee SENATE middle class
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