The Marcos Jr regime has been criticized by progressive forces for relentless oil price increases and the decline of the economy for the poor since the beginning of this year. Ang Bayan Ngayon, on March 30, 2025, reported that Bayan Muna Partylist 2nd Nominee Carlos Zarate expressed disappointment in the regime’s slow response to the continuous rise in oil prices.

From 7 January to 30 March this year, the net increase in gasoline prices this year has reached Php3.25, following five price hikes: by P1 on 7 January, P0.80 on January 14, P1.65 on 21 January, P0.80 on 18 February and P0.70 on 25 February. There were only two price decreases: P0.90 on 11 February and P1.70 on 11 March.

During the same period, the net increase in diesel prices has also exceeded Php3 per liter, while kerosene prices have risen by Php0.30 per liter.

Zarate said the Department of Energy (DOE) seemingly acts as a mere “spokesperson” for oil companies. It has failed to fulfill its role of “regulating” prices to protect the public’s interest.

“The continuous rise in oil prices without immediate action from the government highlights a lack of governance and protection for the people,” Zarate stated. He added that this is an additional burden on Filipinos, especially those in the transportation sector as well as ordinary consumers and commuters.

IBON Foundation, a research non-government organization, in February, 2025, in an assessment submitted to the United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, calls on the Philippine government to respond with concrete policy shifts.

The government’s performative accountability gives the appearance of diligence and it data dumps to conceal the lack of meaningful, long-term improvements. Yet its quantitative and reporting camouflage cannot erase the worsening situation of workers, farmers, informals and other poor communities.

Plotting the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) per capita growth against poverty data shows that rapid economic growth since the 2000s has not really translated into reduced poverty. The Philippines is a textbook case of exclusionary growth. Wealth is concentrated at the top, while poverty and precarious living conditions persist or even worsen for the majority.

Ibon adds,”The country needs transformative reforms that address poverty, inequality, and workers’ rights – not token measures for show.”