Senator Imee R. Marcos
Statement on the involvement of the United States in the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel

The involvement of the United States in the war between Iran and Israel signals a significant escalation of hostilities and elevates the risk of a broader conflict within the region.

I am deeply concerned for the safety and well-being of millions of Filipinos in the region who may be caught in the cross-fire and whose jobs may now be in peril.

I am also troubled by the effects of the conflict on our economy as fuel prices continue to surge, affecting not only the transport sector, but also the agricultural, manufacturing, and industrial sectors of the Philippines, among many others.

I appeal once more to the international community to prioritize peace, avoid further escalation of the hostilities, and seek every diplomatic channel available to put an end to the crisis.

I call on the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Migrant Workers, and the Philippine Overseas Labor Offices to continuously assess the security status of all Filipinos in the region, enhance emergency response protocols, and closely coordinate with host governments for rapid repatriation of our citizens, should the same become necessary.

Finally, I urge the National Government to put in place an action plan to mitigate the effects of rising oil prices and to ensure that displaced Filipinos will have sufficient livelihood and financial support.

(TAGALOG)

Ang pagsali ng Amerika sa sigalot sa pagitan ng Iran at Israel ay nakakabahala. Mas nagdagdag ng pandaigdigang peligro.

Labis ang pag-aalala nating lahat para sa kaligtasan ng ating mga kababayang naiipit sa digmaan.

Isa pang epekto nito ay sa langis, na siguradong may mabigat na implikasyon sa ekonomiya ng bansa; sa agrikultura, transportasyon, pabrika, pagawaan at iba pa.

Gaya ng lagi kong paninindigan, KAPAYAPAAN higit sa lahat.

Magsilbi nawa itong panawagan sa Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Migrant Workers, Philippine Overseas Labor Offices na gawing prayoridad ang kaligtasan ng bawat Pilipino roon.

Ito rin ay pagkatok sa ating pamahalaan, naghihintay ang bayan para sa isang matibay na aksyon at plano, para matutukan ang langis at magiging kabuhayan ng mga magbabalik-bayan.