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. Claire Castro on Monday, Marcos already directed the creation of this committee even before suggestions were made to craft one. 

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

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

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 on 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, GMA Integrated News