MANILA, Philippines -- Sen. Imee Marcos said the Philippines should secure oil importation from fellow members in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) to lessen the impact of the oil crisis in the country arising from the Middle East war.
The senator on Wednesday proposed that the Philippines negotiate with Asean neighbors such as Malaysia, Brunei, Vietnam, and Thailand to supply the country's petroleum needs.
Marcos said Myanmar has implemented fuel rationing, an odd-even scheme for private vehicles, and expanded work-from-home programs in both the public and private sectors.
The senator said that Vietnam has reinstated its oil price stabilization fund during the crisis.
Marcos also called on the administration to disclose the country’s actual fuel supply situation amid the Palace's declaration of a state of national energy emergency.
She warned that the country may be leaning too heavily on short-term relief instead of pursuing a clear energy strategy.
“Can someone give us the real score on the country's energy supply? Have importers, refinery owners, and LPG suppliers been consulted. How much supply of the critical oil products is really left?” she asked.
"Please, please stop trumpeting delusions of six percent growth when the ordinary Filipino can barely survive this energy shock,” Marcos said in a statement.