MANILA — Vice President Sara Duterte on Saturday called on the government to intensify the price monitoring of fuel and basic commodities, as pump prices continue to surge due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, a region also called West Asia.
In a video statement, Duterte also urged the government to strengthen efforts against hoarding and to help the affected sectors because of the soaring fuel prices.
She also said authorities must provide an advisory on ‘fuel efficient’ distribution of food and incentives on public transportation.
“Sa mga ahensya ng gobyerno na may tungkuling dito, kumilos na kayo — Kailangan bantayan ang presyo ng langis at epekto nito sa pangunahing bilihin at transportasyon; magbigay ng maagang babala at magbigay ng paliwanag para sa mga mamamayan,” the vice president said.
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(To the government agencies with this mandate, act now — You have to keep an eye on oil prices and their effects on basic goods and on transportation. Give an early warning and explanation to the people)
“Magbigay ng pansamantalang subsidiyo o price caps sa produktong pagkain at isaalang-alang ang targeted cash transfers sa low-income na pamilya,” she said.
(Give temporary subsidies or put price caps in place for food and put in place targeted cash transfers for low-income families)
Business establishments hoard products or jack prices up must be closed down, she also said.
While the vice president is first in the line of succession, she has no administrative authority over agencies in the executive branch.
Local authorities and ordinary Filipinos can do their part too, she said, to conserve fuel and electricity during this time.
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“Bumili muna sa lokal na produkto upang palakasin ang lokal na ekonomiya at mabawasan ang epekto ng pagtaas ng langis,” she said.
(Buy local to boost the local economy and mitigate the effect of the oil price increase)
“Bawasan ang hindi kailangang paggamit ng enerhiya—tulad ng pag-carpooling, bisikleta, at pwedeng ayusin ang schedule ng lakad upang mabawasan ang madalas na pagbiyahe,” she added.
(Conserve energy through carpooling, using bicycles and scheduling trips to be more efficient)