By CESAR JOLITO III

The Bacolod City government has expressed strong support for the proposed “Bayanihan for Economic Resilience and National Stability Act of 2026,” a measure set to be filed by House Deputy Speaker and Bacolod Lone District Representative Alfredo Abelardo Benitez in response to the ongoing global oil crisis and the declaration of a national state of energy emergency.

The endorsement came through a resolution authored by Councilor Caesar Distrito, chairperson of the city council committee on human resource and development, highlighting the urgent need for coordinated government action to mitigate the effects of rising fuel prices.

Distrito said the surge in oil costs has significantly impacted Bacolodnons, particularly in transportation, food prices and overall cost of living.

“The current oil crisis is not just a global issue — it is a local burden felt daily by Bacolodnons,” he stressed.

He noted that the proposed measure aims to equip the national government with emergency powers, fiscal flexibility, and strategic mechanisms to respond swiftly to the crisis.

These, he said, are crucial to stabilizing the economy, sustaining business activity, and ensuring the uninterrupted delivery of essential services.

As a growing urban center, Bacolod is especially vulnerable to fuel price volatility, which affects public transport operations, supply chains, small enterprises, and household expenses, Distrito added.

The city council also called on both chambers of Congress to prioritize the measure’s passage, underscoring the need for timely interventions to prevent further economic strain.

“The lessons of the pandemic have shown that speed, coordination and flexibility in governance are critical in times of crisis. We must act with the same urgency to safeguard our economy and our people,” Distrito said./CJ, WDJ