Manila, March 23 -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered the creation of a crisis committee to ensure stable oil supply and protect consumers from the impact of the Middle East conflict, Malacanang said Monday.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the directive was issued even before proposals surfaced, with the formal document now being finalized.

Castro said the crisis body will focus on securing supply chains and ensuring the continuous availability of fuel and other basic commodities. No further details were provided.

The Palace official also clarified that while global tensions have driven up oil prices, the Philippines is not experiencing an oil supply crisis.

"Sa ngayon ay hindi pa kinukonsidera na mayroon tayong oi...