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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Visayas devider Negros Occidental governor backs nat'l energy emergency declaration

Negros Occidental governor backs nat'l energy emergency declaration

Published Mar 25, 2026 10:13 pm
LACSON (PIO)
LACSON (PIO)
Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson backed President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s national energy emergency declaration, saying it would give the national government more flexibility to respond effectively.
“We support that and we will see what the result of this declaration is,” Lacson said, adding that the provincial government is open to any assistance.
He believes the national government is doing their best under difficult circumstances.
Lacson admitted the situation was unforeseen and not accounted for in this year’s budget, requiring both government and citizens to tighten spending.
“This is something we did not expect. But it’s something that we have to deal with and needs belt tightening from all of us,” the governor said in a media interview Wednesday.
He cautioned that while the crisis may eventually subside, recovery will take time even after conditions improve.
Lacson said they cannot only depend on the national government to take the problem 100 percent. “We will be experiencing hard times. We just hope this war in Middle East will cease soon,” he added.
Meanwhile, Negros Occidental third district Rep. Javier Miguel Benitez announced a P5,000 fuel subsidy for tricycle drivers in his district.
The initiative, coordinated with the Department of Social Welfare and Development-Negros Island Region (DSWD-NIR), underscores the vital role drivers play in local communities.
Distribution is scheduled April 8 in Victorias, E.B. Magalona, Silay, Talisay, and Murcia.
Mayor Greg Gasataya convened leaders of the Tricycle Operators and Drivers’ Association (TODA) in this highly-urbanized city to streamline the application process for fuel assistance.
The meeting focused on building a verified database of beneficiaries, guided by requirements from the DSWD.
City data showed 6,200 tricycles were registered in 2025, but only 2,600 have secured permits as of March 2026.
Gasataya urged inclusivity, encouraging support even for non-member drivers affected by rising fuel costs, stressing unity during the crisis.
The city government is pushing for swift aid distribution following consultations with transport groups, some of which recently staged a strike in response to soaring fuel prices.

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Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson State of national energy emergency
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