Amid the High Oil Prices in PH, Malacañang Says PH Gov’t Moved Swiftly
Malacañang press officer undersecretary Claire Castro spoke on the PH government’s response to the impact of the Middle East war.
The Philippines is one of the countries that is greatly affected by the ongoing war in the Middle East involving Iran and the two (2) countries that attacked it, the United States and Israel. The joint airstrikes led to the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several government officials and civilians in Iran.
The authorities in Iran vowed to avenge the death of many Iranians from the joint U.S. and Israel attack. Following the attack, Tehran decided to limit the passage in the Strait of Hormuz which is a vital passage for oil shipments. It kept the enemies-linked vessels out.
United States President Donald Trump previously warned Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours or they will attack the energy facilities of the country. But, Iran did not yield to the ultimatum issued by the American President.
Iran even said that it might fully close the passage in the Strait of Hormuz. The country previously warned the world to prepare for oil to hit $200 per barrel. The Iranian officials remain firm that they don’t see the need to talk with U.S.
However, the Middle East war affected the global oil flow. The Philippines is one of the countries that is currently faced with high pump prices following three (3) increases. Recently, at the Senate hearing, some oil companies sought the help of the government as their fuel supplies may last only until April or May.
Following the remarks of the owners of oil companies at the Senate hearing, Malacañang spoke on the response of the Philippine government to the impact of the war in the Middle East. Based on a post of News5 on social media, Palace press officer Usec. Claire Castro stressed that the government agencies are helping each other to find alternative countries for the oil supply.
According to Atty. Claire Castro, some of these countries include U.S., Canada, Russia, and countries in the South America. Based on the post, the Malacañang Usec. stressed that the people can see how the Philippine government acted swiftly on the impact of the Middle East war.
“Nakikita n’yo kung paano kumilos ang gobyerno, kung gaano kabilis kumilos ang gobyerno, at kung gaano na rin karami ang ginawa ng gobyerno para sa ating taumbayan,” the Malacañang official said.
Currently, the Philippines is under a State of National Energy Emergency. Pres. Bongbong Marcos recently stressed that the global oil costs are beyond our control.