Catholic Bishop Endorses Marcos' National Energy Emergency Declaration
A senior official from the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has publicly expressed support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s recent declaration of a state of national energy emergency. The announcement, made on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, was met with approval by Kidapawan Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, who described the move as essential given the current economic climate.
Government Action Deemed Necessary Amid Crisis
In an interview, Bishop Bagaforo emphasized that the declaration, which grants the National Government expanded authority to secure fuel supplies and mitigate economic fallout, represents the "call of the time." He refrained from labeling the timing as either late or perfectly timely, instead focusing on the urgent need for intervention. "I would say we need it. It's the call of the time to stop the uncontrolled rise in prices," Bagaforo stated, highlighting the critical nature of the situation.
The bishop further underscored the government's responsibility in regulating economic matters, particularly those impacting the livelihoods of Filipino citizens. "I think the government has that responsibility of regulating any of the things, most especially concerns on the economic life of our countrymen. So this is very positive and highly commendable," he added, voicing strong endorsement for the executive action.
Root Causes and Ripple Effects
This supportive statement comes in the wake of surging fuel prices triggered by ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. The sharp increase in oil costs has had a domino effect, leading to elevated prices for basic commodities and essential services across the Philippines. This economic strain has placed significant pressure on households, exacerbating financial hardships for many.
Call for Community Solidarity and Charity
Beyond endorsing governmental measures, Bishop Bagaforo issued a heartfelt appeal to the faithful, urging them to extend support to those most affected by the economic downturn. He called for increased acts of charity and generosity during this challenging period. "Let us be mindful of our fellowmen. Look for ways that we can help our fellowmen amidst all these problems that we have. I'm sure many would be affected by this crisis, no food or no transportation. Let us be more generous and more charitable especially at this time when our fellowmen need our help," the prelate emphasized.
He framed the crisis as an opportunity for those with means to demonstrate Christian values through tangible assistance. "For those who have the capacity to help, this is a great opportunity. This is a great time that we would be able to manifest our being Christian to others," Bagaforo remarked, encouraging proactive community engagement.
Formal Implementation Through Executive Order
The state of national energy emergency was officially enacted via Executive Order (EO) 110, which also activated the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (Uplift) program. This comprehensive initiative aims to provide structured relief and support mechanisms to cushion the economic impact on various sectors, including livelihoods, industry, food security, and transportation.
The combined efforts of governmental policy and community solidarity, as advocated by Bishop Bagaforo, are seen as crucial steps in addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by the current energy and economic crisis in the Philippines.
