Senator Imee Marcos called on the Social Security System (SSS), Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), PAG-IBIG Fund, and the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) to temporarily suspend collections and loan payments amid the national energy emergency.

“Ang krisis sa gasolina at krudo ay pabigat lalo sa pang-araw-araw na buhay ng bawat Pilipino, lalo na sa ating mga manggagawa. Kaya’t marapat lamang na bigyan natin sila ng kahit isang buwan o higit pang palugit sa pagbabayad ng kanilang mga obligasyon,” the senator said in a statement released Friday, March 27.

She explained that the effects of the energy crisis are deeply felt by workers, farmers, fisherfolk, and small business owners, adding that it also extends to transportation fares and food prices.

“‘Wag muna nating kaltasan ang kanilang sahod. Ibigay muna ito nang buo upang kahit paano ay makasabay sila sa walan tigil na pagtaas ng presyo ng bilihin,” Marcos said, emphasizing that the same actions were taken during the COVID-19 pandemic and previous calamities that affected the nation.

“Patuloy ang krisis na ito na wala pang kalinawan kung hanggang kailan matatapos. Nararapat lang na gawin natin ang lahat ng makakaya para matulungan ang taumbayan,” her statement ended.

Earlier this week, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. declared a state of national energy emergency through Executive Order No. 110. This is in response to the ongoing tensions in the Middle East involving international oil supply and prices.

Meanwhile, data released by the Philippine National Police (PNP) showed that 425 gas stations across the country have temporarily ceased operations, citing the shortage of petroleum product supplies in the country.