Manila, Sept. 16 -- Malacanang on Wednesday assured the public that government relief initiatives, including the expanded Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food and Transport (UPLIFT) program, are in place to cushion the impact of rising fuel prices driven by tensions in the Middle East.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro gave the assurance during a press briefing, adding that the country maintains a sufficient oil supply.

"Alam po naman natin na meron po tayong UPLIFT at may mga programa po tayo kung saan maaari nating tulungan lalung-lalo na po ang direktang nata-target po ng epekto ng krisis sa Middle East (We all know that we have UPLIFT and other programs to provide assistance, especially to those directly affected by the ...