Vice President Sara Duterte addressed the public on Saturday regarding the rising prices of fuel and essential goods. In an online video statement, she encouraged the government to consider temporarily suspending non-essential activities that consume fuel, such as festival parades, to reduce the economic impact on households.

Duterte also suggested the establishment of a government committee to monitor the prices of rice, cooking oil, transportation fares, and other items affected by fuel costs. She emphasized the importance of both community and government efforts in managing the situation.

“Bumuo ng komite para bantayan ang presyo ng bigas, mantika, pamasahe, at iba pang pangunahing bilihin na apektado ng langis at bigyan ng maagang abiso ang mga mamimili at negosyante sa pagtaas ng presyo.”

Households were advised to prioritize essential goods, plan family budgets, support local products, and reduce energy consumption through measures such as carpooling, biking, or adjusting travel schedules. Local government units were encouraged to implement energy-saving initiatives and provide guidance to citizens.

In her statement, Duterte highlighted the role of government agencies in monitoring market prices, preventing hoarding, controlling excessive price increases, and considering temporary subsidies or targeted support for low-income families.

“Sa mga ahensya ng gobyerno na may tungkuling dito, kumilos na kayo—kailangan bantayan ang presyo ng langis at epekto nito sa pangunahing bilihin at transportasyon; magbigay ng maagang babala at magbigay ng paliwanag para sa mga mamamayan.”

She concluded by noting that cooperation between communities, households, and government could help mitigate the impact of rising prices while ensuring market stability.