The declaration of a broader state of national emergency will give the government stronger authority to control the rising prices of goods amid the ongoing oil crisis, Senator Bam Aquino said on Wednesday.
Rather than a limited state of national energy emergency, which President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. introduced under Executive Order No. 110, the senator said a state of national emergency would provide the government with more effective tools to curb inflation and respond to the crisis.
“It may not include price control provisions… if we have a state of national emergency, we can impose price controls or price caps on essential goods and basic commodities,” Aquino explained.
He vowed to seek clarification during the upcoming hearing of the Senate’s Proactive Response and Oversight for Timely and Effective Crisis Strategy (PROTECT) Committee to determine whether such provisions are included in the executive order.
Aquino also flagged the lack of clarity in Executive Order No. 110 on whether local government units can tap their quick response funds to extend assistance to affected communities.
He reminded that local governments play a critical role in delivering aid and should be clearly authorized to use their quick response funds during a state of emergency.
“If we are to provide assistance, we should do it properly, make it comprehensive, and ensure it is fast and continuous,” Aquino said.
