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In a move to reassure the public amidst rising global fuel prices, Malacañang clarified on Thursday, March 26, that essential government services will remain fully operational and unaffected by the government’s new energy conservation measures. This means critical operations like ambulance, police, fire, and health services will continue without disruption.
Executive Secretary Ralph Recto emphasized that agencies delivering vital frontline services are explicitly required to maintain full functionality, even with the implementation of a four-day onsite work arrangement in some government offices. “The language of the President’s order is clear: Agencies that provide frontline services shall keep their services running at all times,” Recto stated.
No Compromise on Safety and Health
Recto stressed that the “overriding rule” is that “essential, basic and vital services” must not be compromised. This includes all agencies directly involved in delivering health services, public safety, and emergency response. While these agencies are expected to observe energy-saving measures, Recto made it clear that such efforts must absolutely not come at the expense of their core operations.
“We do not cut ambulance service in the name of fuel economy. We do not restrict police response to crime in order to save on gas,” he asserted, adding definitively, “Ang ganyang serbisyo ay hindi tinitipid (Services like these are not subject to cost-cutting).”
Savings Redirected to Strengthen Frontline Operations
The government’s broader push to reduce energy consumption isn’t about cutting corners on crucial services; rather, it’s a strategic move to redirect savings towards bolstering these very critical operations. “Kung tumataas ang presyo ng gasolina, we will put government service vehicles on a gas diet, so that ambulances, fire trucks, police patrol cars can continue running (If fuel prices rise, we will put government vehicles on a gas diet so ambulances, fire trucks, and police patrol cars can continue operating),” Recto explained.
Under Memorandum Circular 114, issued by President Marcos on March 6, support and auxiliary offices—even those within frontline agencies—are mandated to reduce their energy consumption by at least 20 percent. Recto confirmed that these conservation measures extend to regional and administrative offices.
He provided a clear example: “Kung regional office ka ng Bureau of Fire Protection, covered ka ng energy conservation protocols. But gasoline supply of firetrucks, for obvious reasons, is exempt from scrimping (If you are a regional office of the Bureau of Fire Protection, you are covered by energy conservation protocols, but the fuel supply of fire trucks is exempt).”
This clarification from Malacañang provides a strong assurance that while the government is committed to responsible energy management, the safety, health, and well-being of the Filipino people remain its top priority, with essential services fully protected and operational.
Source: Original Article
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