A newly formed Senate ad hoc committee on Middle East crisis response will hold its first hearing on Tuesday, chairman Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian announced. The Proactive Response and Oversight for Timely and Effective Crisis Strategy committee aims to check funds in the 2026 General Appropriations Act to address the crisis from US-Israel attacks on Iran. Fuel prices are soaring, threatening food security.
Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, chairman of the Proactive Response and Oversight for Timely and Effective Crisis Strategy or PROTECT committee, announced in a dzMM interview that the newly formed Senate ad hoc committee on Middle East crisis response will hold its first hearing on Tuesday. The session aims to verify with national agencies if the 2026 General Appropriations Act has sufficient funds to mitigate effects of the crisis, now on its 22nd day, triggered by US-Israel attacks on Iran. Skyrocketing fuel prices are affecting public utility drivers and motorists, while the closure of the Strait of Hormuz endangers food security due to disrupted oil, natural gas, and fertilizer shipments, Gatchalian said. Despite the Holy Week break, a sense of urgency prompted the scheduling, with agencies urged to present specific plans including worst-case scenarios. Gatchalian called for government belt tightening, such as online training and reduced work travel, potentially saving up to P90 billion by cutting travel, training, and representation expenses. He noted existing aid like fuel subsidies for drivers, farmers, and fisherfolk, suspended fare hikes, and discounted MRT-3 and LRT-2 rides. The President can suspend or reduce fuel excise taxes via a recent measure. Gatchalian filed a bill to amend the Oil Deregulation Law for government price oversight and hopes oil firms act with conscience against hoarding. Manila Rep. Rolando Valeriano suggested Maharlika Investment Corp. partner with PNOC and Asian Terminals Inc. for fuel reserves, noting MIC's recent ATI stake. Rep. Joel Chua urged rebates from oil companies on pre-crisis stocks. Franciscan Fr. Lino Gregorio Redoblado OFM criticized belt-tightening calls as unjust to the poor, urging government accountability.
