President Bongbong Marcos cautioned against fuel theft and hoarding while simultaneously championing a nationwide revival of bayanihan, insisting that discipline and cooperation are vital to overcoming oil price surges and the ongoing energy crisis.
In his BBM Vlog 280 titled “Bayanihan”, Marcos appealed to Filipinos to demonstrate responsibility and solidarity, linking his call to national identity and recent commemorations. “Ito ang panahon para ipakita at isabuhay ang inyong pagka-Pilipino. Noong isang araw ay pinagdiwang natin ang Araw ng Kagitingan bilang pag-alala sa katapangan at sakripisyo ng mga Pilipino na lumaban noong Ikalawang Digmaang Pandaigdig sa Bataan,” he said.
He underscored that empathy must shape conduct during hardship. “Sa panahon ng kagipitan, dapat ay mangibabaw ang ating pakikipagkapwa-tao. Ito ang kabayanihan na maaari nating ipakita ngayon.”
Marcos highlighted recent incidents of misconduct, including a motorist who fled a gas station without paying and an illegal fuel transfer into a residential tank, denouncing such acts as selfish and dangerous. “Nakakalungkot at nakakagalit din. Ang iba sa ating mga nakikitang insidente kamakailan. Dahil sa kalagitnaan nitong pinagdadaanan natin ay pinili nilang isipin lang ang kanilang mga sarili,” he said.
He affirmed that hardship does not excuse violations and outlined strict limits on fuel storage, restricting it to sectors with operational needs such as fishermen, hospitals, and generator users. “At yung may mga kaya, huwag kayong mag-hoard ng diesel,” he said, warning that unsafe storage can imperil neighbors.
At the same time, Marcos commended companies and citizens who continue to support communities through relief efforts, community pantries, and feeding programs. He emphasized that government initiatives will persist but can only endure with public cooperation. “Ipakita ninyo ang inyong pagka-Pinoy sa panahon na ito. Magtulong-tulong tayo.”
