Senators Demand Crisis Declaration as Fuel Prices Soar Amid Middle East Conflict
In Cebu City, a gasoline station attendant adjusted the diesel price display at a station along Sergio Osmeña Boulevard on March 19, 2026, as fuel prices reached record highs amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. This visual symbol of economic strain has sparked urgent political calls for action.
Legarda Calls for Crisis Admission
Senator Loren Legarda reiterated on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, the need for the government to admit that the Philippines is facing an ongoing crisis. During the organizational meeting of the Proactive Response and Oversight for Timely and Effective Crisis Strategy (Protect) Committee, Legarda argued that official recognition of the crisis would enable better identification of public needs.
"Until we define it as a crisis, we will not act in record time to save our people," Legarda stated. "If we do not admit that there is a crisis in the Middle East affecting our OFWs and their families, affecting the prices of our petroleum products, energy, food prices, transport and displacing millions of Filipinos, the agencies will not act with urgency."
Legarda directly rejected remarks urging the public to "chill," countering that inaction is not an option. Her stance contrasts with Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro's Monday assertion that there is no oil crisis yet, only a price disruption.
Aquino Pushes for National Emergency
Senator Bam Aquino echoed the crisis sentiment, believing the country has been in turmoil for nearly a month. He reiterated his call for a declaration of a state of national emergency to grant the government broader authority.
"The government needs broader authority to immediately address this crisis," Aquino explained. "Under a state of national emergency, we can implement measures to regulate the prices of essential goods and ensure there is sufficient supply in the market."
Aquino emphasized protecting essential spaces like public markets, hospitals, and schools. He noted that the 2026 national budget allocates P220 billion for various subsidy programs and called for suspending the 12 percent value-added tax (VAT) on fuel to reduce prices.
"It has been a month since the crisis in the Middle East began, and we are looking for a sense of urgency in the government’s response to it," Aquino added, urging collective action to overcome the crisis.
Ejercito Highlights Middle Class Burden
Senator JV Ejercito agreed the country is under crisis, stressing that the situation is no longer normal. He called for prioritizing middle-class Filipino families who bear the economic impact without receiving government assistance.
"We also need to focus on our middle class income earners who make up 40 percent of our population," Ejercito noted. "They are also sharing and bearing the brunt of this crisis but there is no aid provided for them."
While minimum wage earners, public utility vehicle drivers, overseas Filipino workers, and breadwinners are among the most vulnerable, Ejercito pointed out that middle-income earners carry a significant burden. He urged assessing government actions and the specific economic impact on Filipino households.
Government Response and Projections
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the creation of a crisis committee to oversee government efforts in addressing concerns from the looming global oil crisis. However, projections indicate diesel prices may exceed P130 per liter within the week, with gasoline potentially surpassing P100 per liter, intensifying calls for decisive measures.
The debate highlights a growing divide between legislative urgency and executive caution, as fuel prices continue to climb amid Middle East tensions.
