CHR urges safeguards amid rising fuel costs

The Commission on Human Rights on March 18 called for stronger state protection of economic and social rights as rising fuel costs push up transport fares, food prices and the cost of other basic goods and services, deepening pressure on low-income and vulnerable Filipinos.

In a statement, the CHR said higher fuel prices, driven by global economic and geopolitical uncertainty, can weaken the right to an adequate standard of living, including the rights to food, mobility and basic services.

The commission framed the issue as one of economic and social rights protected under the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, a treaty that recognizes state obligations to progressively realize those rights without discrimination.

The CHR said the burden falls disproportionately on low-income households, daily wage earners, transport workers, farmers, fisherfolk and workers in the informal economy.

It said the impact can be especially severe for persons with disabilities, older persons, people living with illness and Indigenous Peoples, as well as for families already struggling with reduced purchasing power and the risk of hunger.

The commission also pointed to risks facing overseas Filipino workers and their families, saying global instability and conflict can trigger job insecurity, displacement and higher living costs in host countries.

To cushion the impact, the CHR said the state should adopt concrete measures such as targeted social protection, wage support, subsidies and accessible public services.

It said the government must also ensure timely assistance for OFWs, including repatriation when needed and reintegration support for those affected by conflict and economic disruption abroad.

The commission acknowledged existing government interventions, including cash transfers, fuel subsidies for sectors such as public utility drivers and farmers, and support for Filipinos affected by global economic and geopolitical shocks.

But it said these responses must be timely, sufficient and responsive, with stronger safety nets, transparency and accountability in delivery to make sure aid reaches those most in need.

The Department of Energy moved earlier this month to stagger fuel price adjustments with oil firms and stepped up nationwide monitoring of retail outlets after sharp increases in pump prices, underscoring the broader economic strain flagged by the CHR.

DOE monitoring for March 10, 2026, showed continued tracking of retail pump prices nationwide, while separate price bulletins for the Visayas recorded increases in gasoline, diesel and kerosene during the February 24 to March 2 monitoring period.

The CHR also called on businesses to respect human rights during the period of economic strain, citing the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

It said companies should avoid unjustified price increases, exploitative practices and arbitrary layoffs that could further undermine workers’ rights and access to basic goods and services.

The statement closed with a broader appeal for a collective response grounded in human dignity and social justice, arguing that economic measures during global crises must remain people-centered so vulnerable sectors are not left behind.