Co-sponsorship on PSR 343
Resolution urging the Executive branch to establish a National Contingency Framework
Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada
11 March 2026
Mr. President, my dear colleagues,
Please allow this representation to co-sponsor Proposed Senate Resolution No. 343 urging the Executive branch to establish a National Contingency Framework and to develop and submit within 15 days a Comprehensive National Contingencies Plan that will enable the Philippines to anticipate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from major domestic and international crises through a whole-of-government and whole-of-nation approach.
The Philippines is highly dependent on imported fuel, and any upward movement in the global pump prices has a direct effect on domestic prices of basic commodities, utilities, transportation, and logistics, among others. Higher pump prices would have a ripple effect across all industries, could negatively affect growth due to lower consumer spending, and disrupt supply chains and increase operational costs which may result in job losses.
Simula noong nakaraang linggo, dama na ng ating mga kababayan ang pagtaas ng presyo ng krudo at tila kakulangan ng suplay sa ilang gasolinahan. Marami na ring gasolinahan ang nagpatupad ng taas-presyo bagamat hindi pa sa takdang araw ng pagtaas. At simula kahapon, epektibo na ang big-time oil price hikes, at pinangangambahang may mga kasunod pa bunsod ng mas tumitinding tensyon sa Middle East.
With the passage of this proposed resolution, it is urged that the government should come up with a National Contingency Framework to outline urgent measures and implement a whole-of-government approach in response to any crisis.
High prices also are among the major roadblocks for growth. Adopting a comprehensive mechanism to tackle future crises is key to the economic survival of our people facing extreme hardship.
While it is important to adopt urgent measures to cushion the impact of rising oil prices, such as granting the President “emergency powers” to suspend excise taxes—which this representation supports as a form of immediate relief for our kababayans—the development of a comprehensive national contingency framework to address future energy crises would stand as a lasting legacy of the administration of Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Such a framework would ensure that the country is better equipped to provide the much-needed economic relief to the public, while also enabling a quick and effective response to global supply disruptions, strengthening the economy, and protecting Filipino consumers from the worst effects of volatile oil markets.
We should transition from being reactive to proactive and forward-looking.
This mechanism would not only benefit the present administration but also future administrations. When adopted, this approach would allow the Philippines to move beyond reactive policies and toward a proactive system of preparedness—one that provides safety nets for our countrymen, supports industries including micro, small and medium enterprises, and stabilizes the economy whenever any crisis arises.
Sa pamamagitan ng paglalatag nito ngayon pa lamang, matitiyak ng pamahalaan na ang mga susunod na henerasyon ay mas magiging handa sa hinaharap.
Thank you, Mr. President.