Senate President Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian on Saturday said the Senate had already reviewed the economic impact of recent geopolitical tensions, including the Iran conflict, but acknowledged concerns that some issues may have slipped out of public focus in recent months.

On food security, Gatchalian warned that farmers are facing “double pressure” from rising fertilizer costs and extreme weather conditions. He cited disruptions in supply chains linked to geopolitical tensions affecting fertilizer imports, which have contributed to higher local prices.

He also pointed to the worsening threat of El Niño conditions, noting that several provinces have already declared states of calamity due to extreme heat and water shortages affecting agricultural production.

“Ang nakikita kong pinakamalaking banta sa sektor ng agrikultura natin ay ang Super El Nino na sa pagkakaintindi ko ay nandito na at titindi pa,” the Senate President said in an interview on DZRH’s Special on Saturday.

Gatchalian said the country must prepare for shifting risks, from international conflicts to climate-driven agricultural stress, as both directly affect food supply and prices.

“Ito yung bagay, dapat mag-shift na tayo, sa kagandahang nangyayari ay humuhupa itong Iran conflict, pumapasok tayo dito sa Super El Nino na tingin ko isa rin malaking banta sa sektor ng agrikultura.”

He added that most likely a briefing with DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. is needed on the expected severity of El Niño and its projected impact on agriculture and water resources.

SP: Senate continues to monitor oil price movement

The Senate previously created a 'PROTECT' committee (Proactive Response and Oversight for Timely and Effective Crisis Strategy) to assess the Iran crisis and its effects on the Philippine economy, holding four hearings and producing around 50 policy recommendations.

According to Gatchalian about 20 of these recommendations have been implemented by the executive branch.

“Dito sa 50 recommendations nakita namin halos 20 recommendations ang na-implementa ng executive,” the Senate President said.

Gatchalian, speaking on behalf of the Senate leadership, said the recent easing of tensions and expectations of lower global oil prices would benefit transport, logistics, and consumers, but stressed that price reductions must be felt quickly by the public.

He also raised concern over the slow pace of fuel price adjustments when costs go down, noting that oil firms have often been quicker to implement increases than decreases.

“Yan ang aming monitor ngayon at kino-compute namin. Dapat ang pagbaba ng presyo ng langis, maramdaman rin natin dito nang mabilisan,” he said.