Senate forms crisis response panel amid rising global threats

MANILA — The Senate moved swiftly on Wednesday to establish a leadership-backed body tasked with preparing the country for emerging crises, signaling rare unity across party lines as lawmakers warned of mounting global and domestic risks.

Adopted without delay, Senate Resolution No. 350 creates the Proactive Response and Oversight for Timely and Effective Crisis Strategy (PROTECT), an ad hoc panel composed of all Senate committee chairpersons.

The measure, authored by Senate President Vicente Sotto III, Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, and Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano, aims to craft a comprehensive national contingency plan and strengthen coordination among government agencies, local governments, and the private sector.

Lawmakers from both majority and minority blocs underscored the urgency of acting ahead of potential disruptions, particularly as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East threaten oil supply chains, employment, and fuel prices.

“This is a timely and necessary measure anchored on preparedness,” Senator Rodante Marcoleta said, echoing support from across the chamber.

Senator Joel Villanueva described the initiative as “very timely and important,” while Senator Robinhood Padilla stressed the need for unity across all branches and agencies of government.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, for his part, highlighted the importance of early intervention to cushion the impact of external shocks.

Under the resolution, PROTECT will conduct hearings, gather input from key sectors such as agriculture, energy, and trade, and submit policy recommendations to the Executive branch, which will retain responsibility for program implementation.

The move builds on an earlier Senate call urging the Executive to establish a national contingency framework, as lawmakers grow increasingly concerned over economic vulnerabilities tied to global instability.

By consolidating oversight and planning functions within a single body, senators said the initiative is designed to ensure faster, coordinated responses to crises before they escalate.