Senator Christopher 'Bong' Go on Tuesday called for a fast but carefully targeted rollout of government assistance to address the ongoing fuel and economic pressures linked to the conflict in West Asia, stressing that urgent aid must not compromise essential public services, particularly healthcare.

Go made the appeal as the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) estimated that around ₱155 billion may be needed for the proposed United Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) program.

The funding, according to DBM, may be sourced from agency savings, realignments, or unreleased appropriations under the 2025 and 2026 national budgets.

“Dapat bilisan ang tulong, pero siguraduhin nating makakarating ito sa mga tunay na apektado,” Go said, emphasizing that assistance must reach Filipinos most affected by rising fuel prices, transport costs, and livelihood disruptions.

The UPLIFT initiative is being positioned as a whole-of-government response to global oil supply disruptions and inflationary pressures affecting transport, agriculture, MSMEs, and vulnerable households.

Go, however, urged caution in using savings or unused funds, citing the need for transparency and legal clarity in implementation. He warned that any diversion of funds should not weaken critical services, particularly in health.

“Kung kukuha tayo sa savings, siguraduhin nating hindi makokompromiso ang serbisyo ng gobyerno, lalo na sa kalusugan,” he said, referencing past concerns involving the use of excess funds from the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation.

He also stressed that aid must remain practical and responsive, especially for transport workers, farmers, fisherfolk, and small business owners who are among the hardest hit by rising costs.

“Sa panahon ng krisis, bawat piso mahalaga. Dapat mabilis, maayos, at diretso sa tao ang tulong,” Go added.

The Palace is expected to submit a bill that will authorize the use of savings and unreleased appropriations to fund the proposed UPLIFT response package.