Vice President Sara Duterte has appealed to the public to refrain from holding protests through motorcades and caravans, citing the need to conserve fuel amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East that is affecting global oil supply.
She also called on local government units (LGUs) to prohibit such activities, stressing that fuel-saving measures are crucial during this period of uncertainty in energy supply.
Duterte’s rationale of “appealing” to the people to reconsider conducting motor vehicle-dependent activity was “due to the recent rise in fuel prices and the serious concerns about air and noise pollution,” she said.
“These events not only lead to higher fuel costs but also worsen air pollution and increase traffic congestion, causing significant inconvenience to everyone,” she said in a statement on Tuesday, March 3.
The Vice President said she fully understands people’s desire “to gather and express anger against the administration or show support to Former President Rodrigo Duterte” but it is more important “to be mindful of how these activities impact others and the environment.”
“I encourage exploring alternative ways to come together that are less disruptive and more sustainable, since we have a long way to go in making the world listen to the failures of government administration in the Philippines,” she said.
She stressed that the Philippines must rather confront the crisis of job loss of many overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) coming home.
“I call on all Local Government Units (LGUs) to permanently ban motorcades and vehicle caravans/parade whether for celebrations, festivals, or political intent,” she added.
“Let us all do our part to keep our roads and our country safer, cleaner, and more efficient for everyone.” (Joseph Pedrajas)
