Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano on Wednesday filed a new resolution seeking to form an ad hoc committee that will help advance the development of a national contingency plan to prepare the country for major crises.

The proposed measure follows Senate Resolution No. 343, which was adopted by the Senate on March 11, 2026, urging the Executive Branch to establish a National Contingency Framework and develop a comprehensive National Contingencies Plan at the soonest possible time.

Under the proposed Senate Resolution No. 350, Cayetano, together with co-authors Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III and Majority Leader Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri, is pushing for the creation of an ad hoc committee to be known as the Proactive Response and Oversight for Timely and Effective Crisis Strategy (PROTECT), composed of chairpersons of all Senate committees, including those on agriculture, trade, energy, and other sectors critical to crisis response.

“The Senate, in the exercise of its constitutional oversight function, cannot remain passive or rely solely on executive initiative when emerging crises pose significant risks to the lives, livelihoods, and welfare of the Filipino people,” they said in the resolution.

The measure cites the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, which has disrupted global oil supply and raised concerns over energy security, inflation, and broader economic stability, emphasizing the need for a coordinated national response.

Cayetano said the initiative aims to support efforts to craft a comprehensive contingency plan while ensuring coordination among national agencies, local governments, and the private sector.

“We are not strangers to crisis… Nasusubukan ang ating pundasyon ‘pag merong kalamidad o sakuna,” he said.

The Minority Leader added that external shocks, particularly in energy supply, can drive up fuel prices and affect transportation, food production, and household expenses.

The proposed ad hoc committee is expected to conduct hearings, consolidate inputs from various sectors, and provide legislative oversight, while implementation remains with the Executive Branch.

The resolution also directs the committee to align its work with existing cabinet clusters and to submit its findings and recommendations, with a copy of its report furnished to the Executive for appropriate action.

Cayetano said the measure seeks to ensure that the country is better prepared for future crises through a more coordinated and forward-looking approach.

“Ang lahat ng crisis may winners, may losers… usually ang losers ay ang mahirap,” he said. ###