Manila, April 1 -- Chair of the House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee, Marikina 2nd District Rep. Miro Quimbo, said Wednesday the Philippines must pursue alternative sources of energy and establish a national petroleum reserve - long-term measures that will help the country cushion the impact of oil price shocks and mitigate disruptions in petroleum supply.

In a news release, Quimbo said the ongoing oil crisis triggered by the war in Iran should serve as a "wake-up call" for the country, as its heavy reliance on imported petroleum products has made it extremely vulnerable to geopolitical events beyond its control.

Among the measures being explored is the accelerated development of domestically available alternative energy so...