MANILA, Philippines — Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi made a “conscience call” Wednesday: For candidates in the May 9 elections to stop doing motorcades for now and help save fuel.
Cusi said that while there is no shortage in the supply of oil and fuel in the country, there is still a need to conserve it as he points out that prices may continue to rise amid the conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
“Kami ay nananawagan, ang pamahalaan, the DOE (Department of Energy) ay nananawagan sa fuel conservation and efficient use para ma-dampen ng kaunti yung demand, then we will have more than enough supply,” Cusi said at the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum.
(We in the government, the DOE, are appealing for fuel conservation and efficient use so we can dampen the demand a little bit, then we will have more than enough supply.)
“Kagabi rin napag-usapan namin yan, sabi ko nga nananawagan din po kami na wag muna tayo mag-caravan o mag-motorcade dahil that will help save fuel,” he added.
(We talked about that last night and I said, we are appealing for the candidates not to conduct caravans and motorcades because that will help save fuel.)
Cusi was referring to his meeting with President Rodrigo Duterte amid the conflict between Ukraine and Russia. The energy secretary, however, stressed that his remark for candidates not to conduct motorcades is merely an appeal.
“So isang panawagan, hindi pa naman namin sinasabing wag kayo mag-motorcade, panawagan lang po. Conscience call,” Cusi said.
(We are not saying do not conduct motorcades. This is just an appeal. A conscience call.)