Gas, oil, and diesel prices are sky high. In Los Angeles, we see prices that have climbed upwards of $8 per gallon. Meanwhile, more urgently, the Philippines has declared a nationwide energy emergency; all admist the U.S.-Israel War on Iran.
Prior to the War on Iran, diesel and gasoline ranged from 35-50 Philippine pesos (Php). Now, those prices have skyrocketed to over 100Php with some reports of prices tripling in certain areas. As a result, the livlihoods of the Philippine working class have been catastrophically impacted. The streets of Manila that once rang full of people clammoring onto jeepneys and tricycles as they commute to work now fall silent. Drivers park their now-stagnant vehicles into lots as they pick up odd jobs to make ends meet. Our farmers and fisherfolk in the countryside struggle to fuel their water systems and trucks as they see even less return on the goods they are forced to sell. As one farmworker stated: Vegetables are cheap and fuel is expensive. The already struggling people are now faced with fuel prices that prevent the act of simply getting around–all for a war they did not sign up for.
The CEOs and corporate cronies that have been allowed to dictate our governments have placed their personal desires of profit and plunder before the needs of the people. They wage these wars that destroy homes, families, and land and force the people to foot the bill. And what does the government do to compensate workers? They throw a laughable subsidy, if any, at them expecting gratitude and praise. It has been proven time and time again that the government does not care about the people. They would rather prioritize the needs and affairs of foreign governments. Why are fuel prices influenced by foreign markets? Why is the U.S. allowed to help themselves to our land and people? Why are they are allowed to hold their military exercises in the countryside, treating the Philippines like its own personal warfare playground?
While it is a daunting feat to topple a ruling class that shows no signs of giving up their power, we cannot afford to be complacent. We cannot forget the efforts of those who organized and protested for our rights as workers and people. We cannot underestimate the power of the masses. Change will not happen unless we organize within our communities and fight for concrete changes in our conditions. Get organized! Get involved! Makibaka, Huwag Matakot!
2026, acrylic on canvas and foam, diptych-20×40″
Asher Perez 