Lawmakers are exploring a new Bayanihan 3 measure aimed at helping sectors most affected by surging oil prices, as the country grapples with the economic impact of global energy disruptions. The proposed legislation is being shaped as a broader response, similar in scale to pandemic-era aid laws, but with a stronger focus on long-term resilience.
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Marikina 2nd District Representative Miro Quimbo said the plan includes targeted financial assistance, with priority given to the transport sector, which continues to bear the brunt of rising fuel costs. He explained that key details, such as beneficiaries, distribution systems, and available funding, are still being finalized in consultation with economic managers and relevant agencies.
“This is Bayanihan 3. Number one, sino ba ang bibigyan ng ayuda (who will be given cash aid)? We will have to consult with our economic managers first as well as the DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development)," Quimbo said in an online briefing.
"Second, we need to know the distribution system that's available. And then third, how much money is available?" he added.
Targeted Aid, Broader Strategy
Quimbo emphasized that the immediate goal is to support sectors that are at risk of being severely disrupted by fuel price spikes, particularly transport operators and drivers who rely heavily on daily fuel consumption.
"But definitely, our purpose here is to address [the concerns of] sectors that will, practically, might not survive, like transportation. Doon talaga tayo unang magbibigay ng direct na tulong kasi 'yun ang epicenter ng crisis,” he said.
He noted that rising oil prices have a cascading effect on the economy, increasing not only transport costs but also the price of goods and services nationwide.
“Because when oil prices are too expensive, they (transport vehicle operators and drivers) won’t be able to go ply their routes. In that situation, transporting goods will be more expensive. That is why we want an intervention to make sure that whatever aid we do is for the purpose of making sure that prices don't spiral," he added.
“We cannot control fuel price hikes, but since fuel is a major component of many products in the household, we need to have an intervention that will prevent high gas prices from making all the other products and services increase across the board more expensive,” Quimbo said.
Beyond Ayuda: Long-Term Energy Solutions
Despite the inclusion of cash assistance, lawmakers are positioning Bayanihan 3 as more than just an aid-driven measure. Quimbo pointed out that financial aid will only make up a small portion of the overall package, as the House aims to address deeper structural issues tied to energy dependence.
“It cannot just be ayuda-centric. In fact, ayuda is not even 15% of the entire package that Speaker [Francisco 'Bojie' Dy III] wants. Ang direksyon ng ayuda program ay kung ano ang makakapigil or at least makakapagpabagal ng pagtaas ng presyo ng mga bilihin. This means this is an opportunity to push for renewable energy sources for our transportation sector, because we have been delaying that,” he said.
Quimbo cited that other countries have successfully reduced oil dependence from 80% to 40% in eight to 10 years through the right policies and incentives, noting that the Philippines has existing renewable energy resources that can be further developed.
Coordinated Response Amid Global Tensions
The push for Bayanihan 3 comes as tensions in the Middle East continue to disrupt global oil supply. The Philippines sources 98% of its crude oil from the region, making it highly vulnerable to supply shocks, especially after Iran shut down the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil shipments.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has already declared a state of national energy emergency, alongside measures allowing the suspension or reduction of excise taxes on fuel. Meanwhile, multiple House committees are set to conduct hearings starting April 8 to refine the proposed legislation.
Speaker Francisco ‘Bojie’ Dy III stressed that the goal is to work collaboratively with government agencies to develop solutions that can help Filipinos cope with rising costs.
“The objective of these hearings is to work with our partners in the Executive to identify solutions, not point fingers. We want to hear directly from our economic managers and frontline agencies so we have the information we need to come up with measures that can help our people cope with the impact of the Middle East conflict,” Dy said.
Separate proposals are also being pushed to institutionalize automatic relief mechanisms during energy emergencies, including a P100-billion Energy Emergency Relief Fund and targeted support for vulnerable sectors.
As discussions continue, the proposed Bayanihan 3 highlights the urgency of balancing immediate relief with long-term reforms. For everyday Filipinos, the outcome of these measures could directly affect fuel prices, transportation costs, and the overall cost of living, especially as global energy uncertainties continue to shape the local economy.
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