Malacañang on Monday said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is receptive to supporting a proposed “Bayanihan 3” measure, but stressed the need to review its details as the government prioritizes urgent interventions to address rising fuel costs.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the administration is awaiting the formal version of the bill from Congress.
“Kailangan po din makita natin kung ano po iyong pinakadetalye ng bill at lahat po ng maaaring makatulong sa ating mga kababayan iyan naman po ay tutugunan at sasang-ayunan ng ating Pangulo (We need to see the details of the bill and everything that can help our countrymen will be considered and approved by our President),” Castro said in a press briefing.
Lawmakers earlier floated the Bayanihan 3 bill, modeled after pandemic-era measures, to address the economic impact of rising oil prices and global energy volatility and institutionalize government response.
Castro noted that discussions about the proposed law are ongoing, but emphasized the need for a clear proposal to allow the executive branch to study its potential impact and funding requirements.
“Mas maganda po kung mas mapapabilis nila para po mapag-aralang maaga, para po ma-implement sa pinakamabilis na pagkakataon (It would be better if they could speed things up so they can study it early and implement it as quickly as possible),” she said.
She added that there is, as of now, no update on whether the proposed measure has been formally submitted or taken up by economic managers.
In the meantime, the government remains focused on immediate concerns under the energy emergency, including ensuring fuel supply, managing petroleum prices, and providing assistance to affected sectors such as transport workers and farmers. (PNA)