Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has called for stricter fiscal discipline in implementing the 2026 national budget, citing global economic uncertainties driven by the ongoing Middle East conflict.

In filing Senate Resolution No. 349, Gatchalian urged government agencies to reassess spending plans, prioritize essential programs, and adopt cost-saving measures to cushion the impact of rising fuel prices.

The senator, who chairs the Senate Committee on Finance, warned that the Philippines remains highly vulnerable to oil shocks, with about 98 percent of its crude oil sourced from the Middle East, making the local economy susceptible to global disruptions.

While President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered energy conservation across government offices, Gatchalian stressed the need for broader fiscal reforms to mitigate the long-term effects on the economy and government revenues.

He emphasized that careful budgeting and strategic spending are crucial to protect public funds and ensure that government priorities remain aligned with the needs of Filipinos amid uncertain global conditions.