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PHILIPPINES PERSPECTIVE
THE OIL SHOCK HITS ASIA: RATIONING, CURFEWS, AND FREE TRANSPORTATION
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DOMINANT ANGLE
The Covid reflex resurfaces: third Bayanihan for a crisis caused by a distant war
Dominant angle identified — does not reflect unanimity of this country’s media
ANALYSIS
The energy crisis strikes the Philippines all the way to local celebrations: the city of Tayabas cancels the Easter celebration 'Tayabasaan' due to the energy crisis—a signal that the shock reaches the daily lives of rural communities. The Inquirer reports that Senator Ejercito welcomes Iran's promise of 'passage over' for Philippine ships at Hormuz—OFWs (overseas Filipino workers) on merchant vessels are a national concern. Rappler details legislative responses: President Marcos Jr. signed a law allowing him to suspend fuel taxes, Congress prepares a 'Bayanihan 3'—the third crisis package after those for Covid. Representative Quimbo speaks of a 'comprehensive legislative response' including aid to affected sectors. Senator Legarda prepares a framing bill. The Philippines relive the Covid reflex: emergency packages, targeted subsidies, transportation aid. The difference is that this crisis does not come from a virus but from a war 5,000 miles away—and the virus had a foreseeable end, not the war.
KEY POINTS
- Tayabas cancels Easter celebration due to energy crisis—the shock reaches rural festivals
- Congress prepares Bayanihan 3—third crisis package after those for Covid
- Iran's promise of passage for Philippine ships is welcomed—OFWs are a priority
COGNITIVE BIASES IDENTIFIED
OFWs as prism: the crisis is read through the impact on overseas workers
Legislative populism: each crisis produces an emergency package with a catchy name
U.S. alliance unquestioned despite the fact that the American war causes the crisis
SOURCES (2)
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