Manila, March 27 -- The government is studying the proposed price freeze on petroleum products amid concerns over the impact of the Middle East conflict on the country, Malacanang said on Friday.

Speaking to reporters, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the proposal will be balanced to ensure that no sector will be adversely affected.

"Hindi po natin sinabing hindi magpa-price freeze. Ang sabi po natin, aaralin po ito (We are not saying that a price freeze will not be implemented. What we are saying is that it will be studied)," Castro said.

Castro made the statement when asked about concerns over President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s decision to declare a state of national energy emergency instead of a state of emergency due to the...