Marcos to Filipinos: Now is time for ‘bayanihan,’ not fuel theft or hoarding

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Sunday night condemned recent incidents of fuel theft and hoarding, as he urged Filipinos to help one another amid the oil price surges and energy crisis.

In his BBM Vlog 280 entitled “Bayanihan,” Marcos reminded the public that kindness goes a long way in such challenging times.

“Ito ang panahon para ipakita at isabuhay ang inyong pagka-Pilipino. Noong isang araw ay pinagdiwang natin ang Araw ng Kagitingan bilang pag-alala sa katapangan at sakripisyo ng mga Pilipino na lumaban noong Ikalawang Digmaang Pandaigdig sa Bataan,” he said.

(This is the time to show what it means to be a Filipino. Just the other day, we celebrated the Day of Valor to remember the courage and sacrifices of Filipinos who fought in Bataan during World War II.)

“Sa panahon ng kagipitan, dapat ay mangibabaw ang ating pakikipagkapwa-tao. Ito ang kabayanihan na maaari nating ipakita ngayon,” the President added.

(In times of scarcity, what should prevail is empathy. This is the heroism that we could show now.)

Marcos condemned recent incidents of fuel theft and hoarding perpetuated by some individuals who took advantage of the energy crisis.

“Nakakalungkot at nakakagalit din. Ang iba sa ating mga nakikitang insidente kamakailan. Dahil sa kalagitnaan nitong pinagdadaanan natin ay pinili nilang isipin lang ang kanilang mga sarili,” he said.

(It is both sad and infuriating, to see some of the recent incidents. Because in the middle of the challenge that we are facing, they chose to think of themselves.)

During the vlog, the President watched news reports of a motorist who refueled at a gas station but fled without paying, and another involving the illegal transfer of fuel from an oil tanker to a storage tank inside a residential compound.

“Nakakalungkot naman masyadong makakita ng lahat ito. Bagama’t naintindihan natin ang kalagayan ng bawat isa. Hindi ito nagpapahintulot sa atin na gumawa ng mga ganitong bagay,” the Chief Executive said.

(It is sad to see these incidents. Although we understand each other’s situation, this does not permit us to do these things.)

Marcos warned the public against hoarding diesel and said only consumers with legitimate operational needs may store fuel to sustain essential services and daily operations.

“At yung may mga kaya, huwag kayong mag-hoard ng diesel. Ang tanging pinapayagan lamang na magtabi sa drop ng gasolina ay ang mga consumer na may legitimate operational requirement dito. Gaya ng mga mangingisda at marine equipment operator, mga hospital, at iba pang mga gumagamit ng generator set,” he said.

(To those who can afford it, do not hoard diesel. Only those who are allowed to store fuel are consumers with legitimate operational requirements, like fishermen and marine equipment operator, hospitals, and others using generator sets.)

“Huwag ninyo ring ilalagay sa panganib ang mga kapitbahay ninyo. Sa paghahanap natin ng ginhawa, huwag naman sana tayong manlamang sa kapwa. Hindi ganyan ang Pilipino,” the President added.

(Do not endanger your neighbors. In our quest for comfort, we should not take advantage of others. The Filipino is not like that.)

Meanwhile, Marcos recognized the efforts of others to help others in need, such as large companies taking part in relief efforts and citizens similarly helping others in their own communities through community pantries and feeding programs for vulnerable sectors.

“Marami ring iba dyan ay hindi nagpo-post sa social media. Tumutulong na lang. Maraming maraming salamat sa iyo. Ganyan ang Filipino. Gusto ko kayong saluduhan at pasalamatan,” he said.

(There are others who don’t post on social media but still help out. Thank you. That’s how Filipinos are. I want to salute you and thank you.)

He assured that the government will not stop in finding ways to ease Filipinos’ burden amid the energy crisis, adding that there are many things to consider and balance at the same time.

“Pero hindi ito magiging sapat kung wala ang tulong ng bawat isa, kung wala ang kawanggawa ng bawat isa, kung wala ang panalangin at positibong pag-iisip ng bawat isa. Ipakita ninyo ang inyong pagka-Pinoy sa panahon na ito. Magtulong-tulong tayo,” the President said.

(All of this won’t be enough if we won’t help one another, if we won’t be charitable, if we won’t pray and think positive. Let us show what Filipinos are made of during this time. Let us help one another.) — JMA, GMA News