Even at the outset of the US-Israel war of aggression against Iran, the Department of Energy (DoE) warned that oil companies could raise gasoline prices by up to ₱10 per liter and diesel by ₱20. This would add to the ₱7 to ₱10 per liter increases in petroleum products since January. The increases will take effect immediately despite DoE officials claiming the country has enough oil supplies for 30–60 days consumption.

The Oil Deregulation Law allows oil companies to automatically raise prices without disclosing their computation or any other details. The state has surrendered its right to evaluate the justifiability of such hikes.

Further burdening the people are the 12% VAT and excise taxes on petroleum products that reach ₱10 per liter on gasoline, ₱6 per liter on diesel, and ₱3 per liter on kerosene.

Over 90% of the oil consumed in the Philippines is imported. A large portion consists of refined oil purchased mainly from South Korea, China, and Singapore. (The country also imports crude oil from the Middle East, but in smaller volumes, as it now only has one operating refinery.) The fluctuating price of crude oil in the global market remains a major, though indirect, concern. It now exceeds $80 per barrel and could reach $100 if US attacks on Iran continue.

Lives at stake

The lives of an estimated 2.15 million Filipinos in the Middle East—mostly workers in domestic, service, and construction jobs—are now at risk. Filipino workers have long suffered from Philippine embassies’ negligent service amid abuses worsened by the kafala system, wage non-payment, and contract violations. As in past conflicts, the Philippine government’s response to the migrants’ grievances has been sluggish and insufficient. Embassy staff do not even respond to their hotline calls.

The group Migrante calls for the immediate provision of safe shelters and open communication lines for migrant workers in the Middle East. It also demands the swift processing of documents and unconditional repatriation. As of the latest count, around 1,000 migrants have expressed their desire to go home.