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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Garin seeks temporary halt to non‑essential research, select GAD activities amid fuel price crisis

Garin seeks temporary halt to non‑essential research, select GAD activities amid fuel price crisis

Published Mar 27, 2026 11:54 am

At A Glance

  • In line with fiscal discipline amid the fuel price crisis, House Deputy Speaker Iloilo 1st district Rep. Janette Garin is calling on the national government to temporarily defer non‑essential research projects in agencies, as well as certain Gender and Development (GAD) activities, in accordance with applicable policies and guidelines.
Iloilo 1st district Rep. Janette Garin (PPAB)
Iloilo 1st district Rep. Janette Garin (PPAB)


In line with fiscal discipline amid the fuel price crisis, House Deputy Speaker Iloilo 1st district Rep. Janette Garin is calling on the national government to temporarily defer non‑essential research projects in agencies, as well as certain Gender and Development (GAD) activities, in accordance with applicable policies and guidelines.
Doing so would help the government prioritize urgent support for Filipinos amid rising global oil prices triggered by the Iran‑United States (US) conflict, Garin said.
“Extraordinary times demand extraordinary fiscal discipline,” said the former Department of Health (DOH) secretary-turned-congresswoman, as surging fuel prices threatened to increase the cost of electricity, transport, and food.
She warned that the country’s heavy reliance on imported fuel leaves it highly exposed to global price shocks, now compounded by slowing economic activity and possible declines in tax collections as some businesses scale down or close.
“Kung may dapat unahin ngayon, ito ay ang pagkain, pamasahe, at kuryente ng bawat pamilyang Pilipino (If there are priorities right now, they are the food, transportation, and electricity of every Filipino family),” she said.
Garin noted that while agencies are mandated to allocate at least 5 percent of their budgets for GAD programs, certain non-urgent GAD activities and non-essential research projects may be temporarily deferred, subject to existing rules, to allow resources to support more immediate needs.
“This does not cover critical gender services such as programs addressing violence against women, health, and protection services, which must remain fully funded,” she emphasized.
Garin added that the government may study the possibility of using portions of GAD resources—consistent with existing guidelines—to provide targeted assistance for women and vulnerable sectors most affected by the crisis.
“Hindi ito panahon para sa mga aktibidad na hindi agarang kailangan. Ang mga hindi kritikal na research at GAD activities ay maaaring ipagpaliban pansamantala (This is not the time for activities that are not urgently needed. Non‑critical research and GAD activities may be temporarily deferred),” she stressed.
The Iloilo lawmaker clarified that the proposal was temporary, aimed at protecting household purchasing power while the country navigates global economic uncertainty.

Related Tags

Janette Garin GAD Fuel price crisis Non-essential research
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