During this period of escalation in the Israel-Iran War, I shared Rob Rances’ post on my X page, as he raises very valid points. It’s really food for thought, as our leaders are supposed to be focused on mitigating its effect on our country. Instead, the teleserye of Philippine politics continues.

Here’s a quick summary of his article:

  1. The Philippines is dependent on imported oil – 90% of which is from the Middle East. Despite this, we don’t have fuel reserves, and our laws give the local oil companies complete power to set prices.
  2. If the oil imports stop, we have a week before the whole country is paralyzed.
  3. What are our leaders and politicians doing? Using Rances’ words – “holding masses to sanctify the impeachment drama, debating pork allocations, hosting press conferences instead of crisis briefings”.

That’s what’s happening here in the country; if this war escalates, Filipinos living both in Israel and Iran will be caught in the crossfire. 

A few days ago, President BBM said that there’s no need yet for mandatory repatriation. Even the DFA said that there’s no need to panic, despite raising Alert Level 3, meaning voluntary repatriation for Filipinos in both countries is recommended.

However, just this weekend, the US launched several strikes on key Iranian nuclear facilities. President Trump said that the US will launch more strikes “if Iran doesn’t make peace”.

The world is watching – and for the Philippines, Rances’ post a few days ago holds even more weight now. Hopefully, our leaders will turn their focus to the Philippines, and what we can do to mitigate the effects of this war on our countrymen, both here and abroad. 

All we can do is wait and see. Borrowing again from Rances’ post: 

“Wake up, Pilipinas.

Demand plans—not pious staging.

Demand stockpiles—not speeches.

Demand leaders—not actors.”

Truer words were never spoken.