Senator Risa Hontiveros pressed Malacañang to go beyond reassurances and lay out a clear plan as global tensions continue to threaten the Philippine economy, warning that the situation is already testing the government’s leadership.
In a statement delivered during a Senate hearing, Hontiveros said monitoring efforts and daily assurances from the Palace are no longer enough. “Sa puntong ito, hindi na sapat ang monitoring at pakiusap kahit ang araw-araw na assurance mula sa Palasyo,” she said, as she urged officials to be transparent and clarify “Ano na ba ang eksaktong plano ng gobyerno?” if conditions worsen.
The senator highlighted the urgent need for immediate and practical solutions, particularly to support overseas Filipino workers who may be forced to return home and to cushion the impact of rising oil prices on ordinary Filipinos. She noted that increasing fuel costs are already driving up the prices of basic goods, placing additional strain on households.
Hontiveros also pointed to the growing burden on workers and families, saying that despite efforts to save and work harder, many Filipinos are struggling to keep up with daily expenses. She called on the government to provide not just policies but reassurance grounded in action, emphasizing the need to reduce public anxiety.
She ended with an appeal for the government to deliver a sense of stability, saying Filipinos need to feel that they can get through the week or the month without fear as economic pressures continue to mount.
