MANILA, Philippines — Bishop Julito Cortes of Dumaguete has issued a pastoral message calling for “fair pricing of goods” and social compassion as the Philippines grapples with skyrocketing fuel costs.
The appeal, released through the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), highlights the growing financial burden on families, workers, farmers, fisherfolk, and those in the transport sector due to the ongoing Middle East conflict. With oil prices recently surpassing $100 a barrel, the cost of basic commodities has followed suit, disproportionately affecting the marginalized.
“I appeal to all sectors of society to act with responsibility and compassion—especially in ensuring fair pricing of goods and in showing greater concern for the poor and the most vulnerable among us,” Bishop Cortes stated.
In addition to economic concerns, the Bishop emphasized the following points:
- Call for Solidarity: Parishes, church organizations, and Basic Ecclesial Communities are urged to extend direct assistance to those struggling with rising costs.
- Spiritual Resilience: Catholics are encouraged to continue praying for peace and to “trust in the Lord’s providence” during this period of instability.
- Information Prudence: The public is advised to rely only on credible news sources regarding the Middle East conflict and to exercise caution when using social media.
The Bishop’s message aligns with recent reports from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) regarding the stability of basic goods, while underscoring the moral imperative for businesses to avoid price gouging during the crisis.