Senator Sherwin Gatchalian is urging the government to prepare for the immediate release of fuel subsidies amid rising oil prices caused by tensions between Israel and Iran.
He noted that although the Philippines primarily imports oil from Saudi Arabia, global market volatility is driving up local fuel costs.
The 2025 budget includes P2.5 billion for fuel subsidies targeting public transport drivers, farmers, and fisherfolk, with funds set to be released once crude oil prices exceed $80 per barrel—a threshold already surpassed.
Gatchalian also called for close monitoring of fuel prices and suggested expanding subsidy coverage to include vulnerable tricycle drivers.
Additionally, he recommended considering mandatory repatriation for Filipino workers in Iran due to growing instability, while supporting voluntary repatriation for those in Israel.
Source: PhilNews24 | June 22, 2025
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