A supplemental appropriations bill seeking P52.8 billion has been filed in the House of Representatives, targeting three sectors most exposed to the economic fallout of escalating conflict in the Middle East: overseas Filipino workers, public utility vehicle drivers, and those in the agricultural sector.
House Bill 8495, filed by Akbayan Representatives Chel Diokno, Perci Cendaña, and Dadah Kiram Ismula, along with Rep. Kaka Bag-ao of Dinagat Islands, proposes the largest allocation — P38 billion — for emergency repatriation, financial assistance, and reintegration programs for OFWs who may be uprooted by the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
The remaining funds would be split between P12 billion in fuel subsidies for transport workers and P2.8 billion in agricultural subsidies to help farmers and fisherfolk absorb rising fertilizer and production costs.
The authors, who belong to the House minority bloc led by Rep. Marcelino Libanan of the 4Ps party-list, cited deep gaps in the government’s existing capacity to respond. Current transport fuel subsidy funds stand at only about P2.5 billion, the Department of Agriculture holds roughly P150 million for farm and fisheries assistance, and the Department of Migrant Workers has P1.76 billion available for OFW emergency needs.
“These developments threaten to significantly raise the cost of transportation, food production, and basic goods, placing substantial economic pressure on Filipino households and sectors most sensitive to energy price fluctuations,” the legislators said.
In the Senate, calls for more aggressive intervention are also mounting. Sen. Francis Pangilinan urged the government to at least double the proposed P3,000 fuel subsidy for fisherfolk, arguing the figure was set before oil prices spiked in response to the conflict.
“It is too low, and this was before the war happened. That’s why it’s not suitable for the situation, it must be adjusted and increased,” Pangilinan said in Filipino during a radio interview on dzBB, proposing the subsidy be raised to between P6,000 and P7,000.
Separately, Sen. Erwin Tulfo pressed the executive branch to ensure that a forthcoming suspension of fuel excise taxes covers gasoline — not just diesel — to benefit the country’s estimated 8.5 million motorcycle riders. Finance Undersecretary Karlo Adriano confirmed that the Development Budget Coordination Committee and the Department of Energy are jointly drafting a comprehensive recommendation for President Marcos that includes gasoline in the coverage.
Tulfo also cautioned against any attempt by politicians to exploit fuel subsidy distribution for early campaign activities.
