MANILA — Senator Loren Legarda on Monday slammed Secretary Sharon Garin for persistently denying the existence of an oil crisis despite skyrocketing fuel prices that have burdened Filipino households, transport workers, and small businesses.

Legarda, who recently filed Senate Bill No. 1942 or the Fuel Price Relief Act, said Garin’s repeated dismissal of the crisis was “insensitive and detached from reality,” pointing out that diesel prices have surged by ₱17 to ₱24 per liter and gasoline by ₱7 to ₱13 per liter in recent weeks due to Middle East tensions and global supply disruptions.

“The people are suffering, the transport sector is crying out, and yet some insist there is no crisis. That is not only inaccurate, it is irresponsible,” Legarda said, stressing that the relentless increases have intensified inflationary pressures and strained millions of Filipinos.

Garin earlier claimed that the situation did not amount to a crisis, arguing that the government had enough measures to cushion the impact. Legarda countered that such statements ignored the lived realities of ordinary citizens.

“When jeepney drivers cannot afford to ply their routes, when families cut back on food just to pay for fuel, that is a crisis,” she added.

Legarda’s proposed Fuel Price Relief Act seeks to establish a Fuel Tax Stabilization Mechanism that empowers the President to suspend or reduce both excise and value-added taxes on petroleum products, or apply a combination of both measures to arrive at the most appropriate price adjustment.

She explained that the bill was designed to provide immediate relief to consumers while maintaining fiscal flexibility. “We cannot wait for the situation to worsen before acting. This bill ensures that government has the tools to respond swiftly when fuel prices reach crisis levels,” Legarda said.

The senator also emphasized that the oil crisis is not just an economic issue but a social one, as rising fuel costs ripple across food prices, transport fares, and basic commodities. “Every Filipino feels the weight of this crisis. Denying it does not make it go away,” she said.

Legarda’s remarks drew support from transport groups and consumer advocates, who have long called for tax relief to ease the burden of rising fuel costs. They urged Congress to act quickly on the measure, warning that continued inaction would deepen the hardships faced by vulnerable sectors.

As the debate continues, the Department of Energy has acknowledged that global oil price volatility remains a major challenge, with the Philippines heavily dependent on imports. Analysts warn that unless decisive measures are taken, the country could face prolonged inflationary pressures.

Legarda reiterated her appeal for unity in addressing the crisis, saying, “This is not the time for denial. This is the time for decisive action to protect our people.”