A Senate measure seeking nearly P53 billion in additional government spending has been filed to cover gaps in the country’s response to the ongoing Middle East conflict, with Senator Risa Hontiveros warning that existing funds fall far short of what the crisis demands.
Senate Bill No. 1986, which Hontiveros filed Tuesday, proposes P38 billion for the repatriation and reintegration of overseas Filipino workers, P12 billion for transport subsidies, and P2.8 billion in agricultural support for farmers and fisherfolk.
The Department of Migrant Workers currently holds only P1.76 billion in emergency funds — a fraction of the P38 billion the agency would need to manage the return and resettlement of OFWs displaced by the conflict. The Department of Agriculture faces a similar gap, with P150 million available against an estimated P2.8 billion in additional costs driven by rising fertilizer prices. For fuel subsidies, the Department of Energy has approximately P2.5 billion on hand, well below the P12 billion Hontiveros says is needed to fully fund the transport program.
The senator cautioned against treating the excise tax suspension — already approved by both chambers — as sufficient on its own. While she acknowledged it as a positive step, she said the crisis is “worsening, multifaceted, and potentially prolonged” and requires a broader government response.
“Kailangan natin ang supplemental budget para sa epektibo at hindi tingi na subsidy programs – para makabyahe ang mga driver at rider, makapagtrabaho ang mga magsasaka at mangingisda, at huwag tumigil ang ekonomiya,” Hontiveros said.
She called on both chambers to act on the measure without delay, noting that a counterpart House bill has already been filed by Akbayan Representatives Chel Diokno, Percy Cendaña, and Dadah Ismula, together with Dinagat Islands Representative Kaka Bag-ao.
“Itong gulo sa Middle East at ang oil crisis ay hindi matatapos bukas o sa susunod na linggo. Kailangan maging handa tayo, kahit gaano pa katagal ang problema. We should start by ensuring that we have the funds to help our kababayans in the many challenging days ahead,” she said.
