Marcos orders creation of crisis committee amid Middle East conflict

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. has ordered for the creation of a crisis committee amid the rising fuel prices brought by the conflict in the Middle East. 

According to Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. On Monday, Marcos already directed the creation of this committee, even before suggestions were made to form one. 

''Okay, bago pa po may nag-suggest na gumawa ng crisis committee, nag-utos na po ang Pangulo na gumawa officially ng crisis committee, so hintayin na lang po natin ang dokumento, pina-finalize na po,'' Castro said at a press briefing. 

(Even before creating a crisis committee was suggested, the President had already tasked the creation of a crisis committee, so let's wait, as it is still being finalized.) 

The announcement came after Castro said there was no oil crisis in the sense that the Philippines has enough supply.

Citing Energy Secretary Sharon Garin, Castro said there is no crisis in oil supply, but rather a disruption in prices due to developments in the Middle East.

Asked why a committee would be created even if the administration believed there was no oil crisis, Castro said, "Para mas systematic, organized upang may nakatutok sa situation kasi dapat laging handa."

"Hindi puwedeng tutulog-tulog nang mahimbing sa mga nangyayari sa Middle East ngayon. May kasabihan nga, 'Daig ng maagap ang masipag,'" Castro said.

(We need to be focused on this crisis in the Middle East. There's a saying that promptness beats diligence.)

Castro refused to provide details on the said committee because it is still being finalized. She said this would focus on addressing the concerns of those affected by the Middle East crisis, which had brought double-digit increases in fuel prices.

According to industry sources, diesel prices could increase by P16 to P18 per liter on Tuesday, while gasoline prices may go up by P9 to P11 per liter. 

This could push diesel prices beyond P120 per liter in some gas stations.

Last week, some transport groups launched a nationwide strike, urging the government to address the plight of drivers and operators affected by these oil price shocks. 

The government has already started distributing cash assistance to the affected sectors, beginning with tricycle drivers. — RSJ/NB, GMA Integrated News