Manila, April 15 -- Malacanang on Wednesday said relief measures are being implemented to assist Filipinos affected by global economic pressures, particularly those arising from tensions in the Middle East.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro made the assurance, as she defended the government's response to rising prices and economic uncertainty, stressing that various forms of assistance are already in place.

In a press briefing, Castro hit back at Vice President Sara Duterte for claiming that the government has failed to provide sufficient relief due to political maneuvering.

"Ito ang mahirap sa hindi nag-aaral, nagbabasa, hindi inaalam kung ano ba ang katotohanan (his is the problem with someone who doesn't study, doesn't read, and do...