Several senators expressed concern that the Philippines is already facing crisis-level effects due to tensions in the Middle East, as the Senate’s Proactive Response and Oversight for Timely and Effective Crisis Strategy (PROTECT) committee held its first organizational meeting and hearing on Tuesday morning.
At the start of the session, the committee adopted Senate rules governing the conduct of hearings.
Senator Win Gatchalian, chairman of the committee, said in his opening statement that although the conflict is not taking place in the Philippines, its effects are being felt by Filipinos. He cited jeepney drivers as among those heavily affected by rising fuel prices.
Senator Risa Hontiveros stressed the importance of acknowledging the seriousness of the situation. She urged Malacañang to present clear and specific government plans to address the impact if the situation worsens. According to Hontiveros, the country needs clear and immediate solutions.
Senator Loren Legarda also called on government agencies present during the hearing to act immediately, noting that the country is already facing the effects of a crisis.
In a message to Senate media, Senator JV Ejercito said the current situation in the Philippines can no longer be considered normal and should be treated as a crisis. He added that the government should have formed a task force or crisis committee at the early stages of the tensions in the Middle East.
Despite his criticism, Ejercito said the formation of such a committee can still be pursued even at this stage.
