Palace: ‘Crisis committee’ being finalized to ensure food, fuel supplies

[Updated March 23, 2026, 3:31 p.m.]

MANILA, Philippines — Palace Press Officer Claire Castro on Monday said that the formation of a “crisis committee” is being finalized to ensure the country’s continuous supply of food and petroleum products amid the Middle East war.

“Even before someone suggests forming a crisis committee, the President has already officially ordered the creation of one. So let’s just wait for the document—it is currently being finalized,” Castro, speaking Filipino, said in a media briefing at the Villamor Airbase in Pasay City.

“This will focus especially on identifying the needs of our fellow citizens and ensuring that the supply of essential goods is not disrupted—particularly oil, fuel, and other basic necessities,” Castro added.

Castro is yet to provide further information about the committee. 

No oil crisis yet in the PH

Despite the formation of the committee, the Palace official said that the country is not currently experiencing an oil crisis, noting that the government is taking steps to ensure a sufficient supply of petroleum products.

“It was also clearly stated by Secretary Sharon Garin of the DOE [Department of Energy] that, at present, an oil crisis is not yet being considered because our oil supply is complete and sufficient,” Castro said in Filipino.

Citing Garin, Castro also said that the Philippines is in negotiations with other countries regarding possible importation of up to 600,000 barrels of fuel.

READ: Marcos orders suspension of fare hike

“According to Secretary Sharon, there are two types of crisis—supply and price. So, if we’re talking about supply, we cannot say that there is a crisis in terms of supply. However, there may be price disruptions due to the ongoing oil crisis in the Middle East,” she added.

At a media interview in Bataan on Friday, Marcos said food processors agreed to freeze prices for up to two months to help mitigate the impact on the country of the war in the Middle East. Toll concessionaires will give discounts to public utility vehicles and cargo haulers during the same period.

Marcos also previously said there is no problem with the country’s food supply and that vendors are cooperating to keep prices at normal levels.

Why create a crisis committee if there’s no crisis?

According to Castro, this move is to ensure a better government response to any further effects of the Middle East conflict. 

“To be more systematic and organized so that someone is focused on the situation, because we should always be prepared. We cannot be sleeping soundly amid what is happening in the Middle East right now,” Castro said in a Viber message to reporters.

“As the saying goes, ‘the proactive beats the diligent’,” she also said. /apl /jpv /mr