MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson said on Tuesday that US President Donald Trump should be held accountable for putting the Philippines and the rest of the world in crisis, following the joint US-Israel attack on Iran that has sent global fuel prices soaring.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Lacson lamented the impact of the strike, noting that diesel and gasoline prices in the Philippines have surged to more than ₱130 and ₱100 per liter, respectively. “The Philippines is in crisis along with the rest of the world because President Trump’s brinkmanship did not work. In fact, it has boomeranged,” Lacson said.

“He should be held to account by the whole world, including his own country, the USA,” the senator added, stressing that the consequences of Trump’s actions have destabilized economies and burdened ordinary citizens.

When asked by a follower about his alternative regarding Iran, Lacson replied that the “alternative was lost when the US’ close allies were not consulted before the strike.” He explained that past leaders used to coordinate with coalition partners before launching such actions, which helped prevent wider fallout.

The senator further criticized Trump’s leadership style, describing it as “narcissistic arrogance” that has dragged other countries into conflict. “With the Nordic Alliance—composed of Norway, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, and Iceland—closing ranks with Canada and eventually extending to NATO and other countries over the US/Israel war against Iran, things are not looking good for the US and the world—all because of the narcissistic arrogance of one ‘leader of the free world,’” Lacson said.

His remarks come as the Philippines grapples with the economic impact of skyrocketing fuel prices, which have intensified inflationary pressures and strained households and transport sectors nationwide.

Lacson’s statement underscores growing frustration among global leaders over unilateral actions that have destabilized international relations, with the senator calling for accountability and stronger multilateral cooperation to prevent further crises.