House leader eyes pause of non-essential projects, select GAD activities

A House leader has called for the suspension of non-essential projects, as well as certain Gender and Development (GAD) activities, in government agencies amid the exponential oil price hikes brought about by the conflict in the Middle East.

House Deputy Speaker and Iloilo Representative Janette Garin said such cost-cutting measures will enable the government to prioritize urgent support for Filipinos amid the oil crisis that has triggered spikes in electricity, transport, and food prices.

"Extraordinary times demand extraordinary fiscal discipline. Kung may dapat unahin ngayon, ito ay ang pagkain, pamasahe, at kuryente ng bawat pamilyang Pilipino (Food, transport fares, and electricity for each Filipino family should be prioritized during these times)," Garin said.

Laws mandate agencies to allocate at least 5% of their budgets for GAD programs.

Garin, however, said the suspension of certain non-essential research and GAD programs will not cover critical services.

"This does not cover critical gender services such as programs addressing violence against women, health, and protection services, which must remain fully funded," Garin said.

"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," Garin added.

Indigent mothers, small-scale vendors

Akbayan party-list Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula, for her part, said that the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) should include indigent mothers and small-scale vendors in its flagship Walang Gutom program to combat rising fuel and food costs.

Specifically, the lawmaker said the DSWD should provide ₱3,000 monthly electronic meal credits to mothers earning minimum wage, as well as targeted subsidies and credit assistance for market vendors to prevent overpricing.

By integrating vendor support, Ismula said local sellers can access accredited outlets like Kadiwa stalls while the government ensures a steady supply of fresh food and protects the livelihoods of small entrepreneurs.

"We cannot leave Filipino families to fend for themselves while they can no longer afford enough food for their children due to high prices," she said.

Ismula then cited the Department of Agriculture’s disclosure during a Senate hearing last Wednesday that the price of rice, chicken, and pork could rise by 50% by August amid the Middle East conflict, which should prompt the government to make adjustments.

"While we know that aid is being rolled out, DSWD needs to respond to the varying needs of our kababayan. When we take care of our mothers and vendors, children and community members also benefit," she added.

Fuel prices have breached P100 per liter this week, and are expected to continue rising amid the Middle East war triggered by a joint US-Israel offensive against Iran.

The joint operation was launched to supposedly deter Iran's missile program, which US and Israeli authorities deemed as a threat to the region's security.

This operation has since killed Iranian leaders and prompted Iran to retaliate by launching airstrikes targeting US bases, among others, located in Middle Eastern countries where the Philippines sources 98% of its crude oil supply.

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has declared a national energy emergency due to the Middle East armed conflict.

Likewise, the President already signed a law allowing him to suspend or reduce excise taxes on fuel.

The government has also distributed cash aid to the public transport sector amid the rising fuel prices. — VDV/AOL, GMA Integrated News