Akbayan Party-list Rep. Chel Diokno on Tuesday called on President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to certify as urgent House Bill No. 8495 seeking a PHP52.8-billion supplemental budget for the repatriation of affected overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and financial assistance for transport sector workers, farmers and fisherfolk amid the worsening Middle East crisis.
“The ongoing conflict in the Middle East creates a spillover effect on the cost of other goods. Nananawagan tayo sa Malacañang na i-certify bilang urgent ang panukalang ito (We are calling on Malacañang to certify this bill as urgent),” Diokno said in a statement.
“As Congress is on a break, we urge our colleagues in the House to hold committee deliberations on the bill and if necessary, conduct a special session to approve the same – hindi tumitigil ang krisis na ito, imbes patuloy pa itong lumalala (this crisis is not stopping but continue to worsen),” he added.
Energy Secretary Sharon Garin previously warned that the country could face a national problem with fuel supply if tensions in the Middle East persist, adding that Filipinos may need to change their lifestyles if global oil prices surge to USD200 per barrel.
Diokno said the proposed supplemental budget will enable the government to deliver immediate assistance to affected sectors, ensuring sufficient funds for aid and subsidies as further increases in petroleum product prices are expected.
Should the supplemental budget be approved, top priority will be given to transport workers, farmers and fisherfolk as they are vital to the country’s economy.
“Malaking bagay ang supplemental budget para masigurong walang sektor ang mapag-iiwanan sa gitna ng krisis na ating nararanasan (The supplemental budget will be a big help in ensuring that no sector will be left behind amid this crisis that we are experiencing)” he said.
Under the proposal, the PHP52.8-billion budget allocates PHP12 billion for fuel subsidies to assist public utility vehicle drivers and transport workers, and PHP2.8 billion in agricultural subsidies to help fisherfolk and farmers cope with rising fertilizer and production costs.
Meanwhile, a total of PHP38 billion will be earmarked for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who may be displaced by the conflict — with PHP18 billion allotted as emergency fund for their repatriation and PHP20 billion for assistance and reintegration fund.
A counterpart bill, Senate Bill No. 1986, was filed by Sen. Risa Hontiveros. (PNA)