JV Ejercito: ‘No sugarcoating’ in reports to PBBM as oil shocks threaten prices of basic goods
April 07, 2026
Senate Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito on Tuesday called on government agencies to stop sugarcoating reports to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., stressing that honest, real-time assessments are crucial as the ongoing Middle East conflict drives oil price hikes and threatens a spike in the cost of basic goods.
Ejercito warned that global tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran are already triggering increases in fuel prices, which could cascade into higher transport costs, food prices, and other essential commodities.
“Sa ganitong krisis, hindi puwedeng minamaliit o pinapaganda ang ulat. Kailangan malaman ng Pangulo ang buong katotohanan dahil bawat maling impormasyon, maling desisyon ang kapalit,” the lawmaker from San Juan emphasized.
“No sugar coating of reports to PBBM. Hindi PR ang kailangan sa gitna ng krisis kundi katotohanan.”
Ejercito underscored that delays and gaps in response often stem from incomplete or overly optimistic reporting, which could hinder timely government action.
“Kapag tumaas ang presyo ng langis, sabi ko nga, domino effect ito, tataas ang pamasahe, pati ang presyo ng pagkain, at iba pang pangunahing bilihin. Sa huli, ang mamamayan na naman ang direktang naaapektuhan.”
He urged department secretaries and officials to provide accurate, ground-level information, especially as the country braces for potential inflationary pressures.
“Ang tunay na may malasakit sasabihin ang totoo, kahit hindi man ito maganda sa pandinig,” the senator said.
Ejercito clarified that his remarks are meant as constructive input to strengthen the government’s response to the crisis.
“Objective at constructive criticism ito. Hindi tayo naninisi pero hindi rin tayo pwedeng magbulag-bulagan. Ang unang hakbang sa solusyon ay ang pag-amin sa problema.”
He also reiterated that transparent reporting and coordinated action among agencies are essential to cushion the impact of global developments on the Philippine economy.
“Kung kulang o mali ang datos na umaabot sa Pangulo, paano tayo makakagawa ng tamang solusyon? Sa ganitong panahon, hindi pwede ang guesswork, dapat facts.”
