Fuel prices have been increasing for the 10th consecutive week now. To address the problem, President Rodrigo Duterte ordered five associated government agencies to do whatever they can to ease the soaring fuel prices.

Government agencies such as National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Finance (DOF), and the Department of National Defense (DND) will work hand in hand to address the nonstop fuel price hikes upon the order of the President Duterte.

According to Senator Bong Go, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea has also been directed by President Duterte to prepare the necessary issuances. Even the Department of Finance and Department of Defense were advised to prepare in case the war between Russia and Ukraine escalates further.

“Inatasan niya si Secretary Medialdea and [the concerned agencies] to check the prices para hindi masyado tumaas,” Go said in an interview on Wednesday.  “[Sila] Secretary Carlos Dominguez of Finance and even the Department of Defense ay inihanda na niya kung lumala itong giyera at apektado ang ating bansa,” he added.

Before Duterte made this order, the Government had been finding ways to address the problem, including calling on the Congress to review the oil deregulation law. In addition, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released Php 5.5 billion in a subsidy program covering Public Utility Vehicles and automobiles serving in the agricultural sector.