State of emergency still possible
THE Philippines may declare a national state of emergency amid the prices of basic goods soaring due to the Middle East crisis, Malacañang said on Wednesday, though it added that such a move is not currently under discussion.
“It could happen, similar to what we did during typhoons or earthquakes,” Palace Press Officer Clarissa A. Castro told DZMM in Filipino.
“It hasn’t been discussed yet, but a declaration is possible if the situation warrants it, especially if we see abuses,” she added.
On Tuesday, she said there is no need for the country to declare a state of emergency yet because the government still has the situation under control.
In a bid to cushion Filipinos from rising costs driven by higher fuel prices, Congress on Wednesday approved a bill allowing President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. to cut or suspend excise taxes on fuel.
Lawmakers transmitted the bill to Malacañang for the President’s signature, but Mr. Marcos earlier that day said he was still unsure whether or not he would use the emergency powers.
“Right now, we are just adjusting to the situation. When the situation calls for it, maybe we will see when to exercise that power and by how much,” he told reporters in San Juan City.
Ms. Castro also said there are no talks yet for a possible wage hike as workers intensify calls for higher pay to keep up with inflation.
For the middle class, which comprises 40% of the population according to the Philippine Institute of Development Studies, Ms. Castro said the cut on excise tax would benefit them as well.
“When the excise tax is reduced, even the wealthy will benefit. Some say that doesn’t seem right because the rich also gain from it. But all of us here are equal. Rich or poor,” she said.
“Whatever relief the President can provide, whether for the rich or the poor, we should appreciate it.” — Chloe Mari A. Hufana
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