Marcos says gov’t acted fast during Mideast crisis

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday said the government moved quickly to cushion the impact of the Middle East conflict on Filipinos, particularly vulnerable sectors.

In his fifth SONA, Marcos Jr. said the declaration of a State of National Energy Emergency allowed the government to roll out the UPLIFT assistance program and other emergency measures.

The President said nearly P58 billion was released to local government units, while more than 12,000 OFWs were brought home safely from conflict areas.

He added that over 140,000 overseas Filipino workers received financial, medical, and livelihood assistance.

Marcos Jr. also said the government secured fuel supplies from several countries and temporarily suspended excise taxes on LPG and kerosene to help ease the burden on consumers.IMT