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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Lacson prays the world outlives 'Trump-26'

Lacson prays the world outlives 'Trump-26'

Published Apr 1, 2026 01:01 pm
After surviving the Covid pandemic, Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo "Ping" Lacson prays the world survives "Trump-26" or the policies, actions, and events that occurred during the second term of President Donald Trump in the year 2026.
President Donald Trump speaks during the swearing in for Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin in the Oval Office of the White House, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
President Donald Trump speaks during the swearing in for Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin in the Oval Office of the White House, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Lacson said this on Wednesday, April 1, as Filipinos continue to face economic difficulties due to the conflict in the Middle East, which he said is due in large part to Trump's "whimsical arrogance in treating even the US' long-time allies."
“Only a few years ago, we outlived the coronavirus, also known as Covid-19. Pray that the world will survive Trump-26,” he said on X.
The conflict in the Middle East, involving the US and its allies, has posed challenges for the Philippines, including disruptions in the supply of oil.
Prices of fuel have spiked, with diesel and kerosene continuing to go up this week. Diesel prices were estimated at up to P144 per liter, kerosene prices at up to P168.79 per liter, and gasoline at up to P111 per liter.
Lacson noted this, along with the worsening economic hardships that Filipinos are facing, are due in large part to “Trump’s whimsical arrogance in treating even the US' long time allies.”
On Tuesday, Trump posted on his Truth Social account that countries that cannot get jet fuel because of the Strait of Hormuz can buy fuel from the US, or “get your own oil.”
Meanwhile, Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesman for the West Philippine Sea Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad was quoted as saying that China is intentionally ramping up its maritime aggression and ship deployments in the WPS, exploiting the global distractions caused by the conflict in the Middle East.
Trinidad was quoted as saying the military documented 90 Chinese vessels swarming key features in March, marking an increase from 62 vessels in February.
Earlier, Lacson scored Trump’s backfiring brinkmanship, which he said put the Philippines and the rest of the world in crisis.
Because of this, he said Trump should be held to account for his actions not only by the whole world but by his own country, the United States.

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