Sen. Ping Lacson said that this remedy can be done amid the oil crisis
Senate President Pro Tempore Ping Lacson said that the Philippines still has P231 billion budget for 2025 and 2026 that can be used to aid various sectors affected by the oil crisis.
When the war in the Middle East exploded, many countries’ oil supplies were affected, including the Philippines. Drivers, and operators of public utility vehicles, as well as commuters were devasted by this effect brought by the war.
Even celebrities who have all the means to buy fuel cried against the old price hikes. With this, fare and prices of basic commodities also increased.
In a recent statement, based on the report from Abante News, Sen. Ping Lacson stated that the funds from the 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA), which is almost P200 billion, and the P31 billion fom the 2025 GAA, can be used to extend financial aid to different sectors affected by the said problem.
“Bukod sa mga batas na pwedeng gamitin ng Malacanang para maibsan ang difficulties ng ating mga kababayan, meron pa tayong pera na pwedeng paghugutan. Nasa P230 billion pa ang potential na pondo na pwedeng gamitin pang-asiste sa krisis sa ngayon,” the lawmaker said.
He stressed that the transportation sector should be prioritized in this since it is greatly affected by the oil price hike, and this can also benefit the commuters, especially those who were from the middle to low-income sectors.
Even though this budget can be used as “ayuda” to the said sectors, the government should assure that the money will reach the rightful recipients, and this can be done through a data-driven system.
“Kailangan maliwanag ang pagpaplano, kung papaano ia-apropriate ng gobyerno o ia-allocate ang available na pondo na yun, kaya ang suggestion unahin sektor na mas nangangailangan,” Sen. Ping Lacson said.