President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered government agencies to make sure the country does not run short of fuel, while also keeping food and electricity supplies stable amid rising prices.
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Marcos Jr. was particularly concerned about a possible disruption in fuel supply because of its impact on businesses and the economy.
“Kabilinbilinan ng Pangulo na hindi dapat mawalan ng supply ang Pilipinas ng fuel,” Castro said during a press briefing at the Philippine Embassy in Singapore Wednesday, Oct. 7.
“Kapag nahinto ang supply ng fuel, sobra ang magiging epekto nito sa bansa natin at baka talaga magkaroon ng paghinto ang mga businesses at mas lalong malaki ang epekto sa ating ekonomiya,” she added.
Castro said the government is continuing its fuel subsidy for public utility vehicle drivers and expanding Kadiwa outlets.
Other government programs cited by Castro include UPLIFT, Walang Gutom, TUPAD and the Free Rice Program.
The Palace is also looking at ways to keep food supplies stable, including the expansion of palay storage facilities in Tarlac and the use of the country’s first commercially approved African swine fever vaccine to help stabilize pork supply ahead of the holidays.
Castro said Marcos Jr. also met with Acting Executive Secretary Ralph Recto Wednesday to discuss measures to ease the impact of higher commodity prices, particularly amid the El Niño phenomenon.IMT
