Some senators on Wednesday, March 25 finally heaved a sigh of relief after President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. finally declared a state of national energy emergency for the Philippines in light of the ongoing oil crisis. 

“I welcome the President’s declaration of a state of national energy emergency.  This is an overdue recognition of what the people have been saying for weeks: that we are already in a crisis,” Sen. Loren Legarda said in a statement.

“By itself, a declaration of a state of national energy emergency will not protect Filipino families from rising fuel prices, higher food costs, heavier transport expenses, and the mounting burdens on our farmers and fisherfolk. But with such recognition, our actions can finally proceed in their proper light, whether the issue is supply or price. The current state of the economy is an issue that goes straight to the people's stomach, something that cannot be addressed with a business-as-usual approach,” Legarda added.

Legarda further said she is considering filing a new “Bayanihan” law —or a similar measure— “that would equip the government with the necessary but time-bound tools to respond to the current energy crisis in a unified, decisive and comprehensive manner, while working alongside the Executive and recognizing its critical role in leading the immediate response.”

“This declaration will only have real meaning if it becomes the basis for swift, coordinated, and compassionate action that delivers immediate relief to Filipino families and guides the nation through this crisis with clarity, resolve, and purpose,” she said.

Sen. Erwin Tulfo also welcomed the President’s issuance of Executive Order No. 110, saying that he supports it.

“I support (it.) (This is) to give the President a room to manoeuver or do things  immediately to help the people in this time of crisis,” said Tulfo.

‘Not enough’

However, some senators still strongly feel the need for a “broader” coverage as this would give the government “more teeth” to rein in prices of goods.

“A broader state of national emergency—and not a state of national energy emergency—is needed to enable the government to control the prices of goods amid the oil crisis,” Sen. Paolo “Bam” Aquino IV said. 

“I don’t know if this includes price control, which when we have a state of national emergency, can put a price control or price cap on essential goods and basic commodities,” Aquino said.

“That's what we're looking for, that when there's a state of national emergency or state of calamity, the government can put a cap on the price of basic goods,” he stressed.