Senator Bam Aquino has urged government agencies to act with urgency amid the worsening fuel crisis, pressing the immediate convening of the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) Committee to address the impact of soaring oil prices on Filipinos.
“We impress upon you to please move as fast as the price of diesel and gasoline… pag crisis, kailangan mabilis tayong gumalaw,” Aquino said, calling for weekly meetings as fuel prices continue to rise.
He also pushed the Development Budget Coordination Committee to fast-track the possible suspension of excise tax on fuel under Republic Act No. 12316 to ease the burden on consumers.
Aquino further urged agencies to coordinate even before the scheduled UPLIFT meeting next week to ensure ready-to-implement measures, especially for transport workers and small businesses hardest hit by oil hikes.
The senator also called for a unified payout system for drivers to avoid delays, duplication, or exclusion in cash aid distribution, noting complaints that some beneficiaries waited hours or were left out.
“Alam ko may kanya-kanya kayong mga responsibilidad, pondo at lahat, but we need to have a consolidated approach here. Posibleng nagdodoble iyong tulong o posibleng akala natin nasa kabilang listahan, iyon pala wala sa listahan,” according to Aquino.IMT
