Senator Win Gatchalian identified inflation as the most significant domestic effect of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, highlighting its continued pressure on transportation, utilities, and food prices—particularly rice.

Speaking during the Kapihan sa Manila Bay, Gatchalian noted that inflation remains elevated at 7.2%, with key drivers concentrated in three sectors.

“The biggest issue that we have related to the war in the Middle East is inflation. It's been 7.2%,” he said.

He explained that if inflation data is broken down, the top contributors are transportation, utilities, and food. “If you dissect the inflation numbers, tatlong pinakamataas. Expectedly ang kumahas. Transportation, utilities, and food. Particularly rice,” he added.

Gatchalian pointed out that increases in transportation and utility costs were expected due to persistently high global oil prices, which remain beyond local control.

“Yung first two, transportation and utilities, expectedly... dahil hindi natin mapipigilan yung matagal na mataas na presyo ng langis,” he said.

He also cited direct feedback from local government units regarding fare increases in public transport, including tricycles and transport network vehicle services (TNVS).

“Nakausap ko yung mga ibang LGU, nagtataasan sila ng pamasahe ng tricycle, yung mga TNVS dahil yung kanilang pamasahe ay electronic at deregulated mabilis silang magtaas,” Gatchalian said.

The senator stressed that food inflation—especially rice—remains a critical concern, as it continues to affect household budgets amid external geopolitical pressures and supply-side constraints.