As fuel and food prices continue to strain Filipino households, Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano said the country must draw from a different kind of resource, one he calls “spiritual fuel,” to withstand growing economic pressure.
In a recent vlog, Cayetano likened the role of faith to fuel, a resource he said people now understand more deeply as global crises drive up oil prices.
“Ginamit ko talaga ‘yung word na ‘fuel’ dahil alam kong ngayon napakamahal ng gasolina lalo diesel dahil nga sa crisis sa buong mundo.”
“The hope that comes from that should be something that fuels us. Ginamit ko talaga ‘yung word na ‘fuel’ dahil alam kong ngayon napakamahal ng gasolina lalo diesel dahil nga sa crisis sa buong mundo,” the veteran legislator said.
The seasoned lawmaker said that just as vehicles cannot run without fuel, people also need inner strength to function, especially under pressure.
The senator linked this “spiritual fuel” to growing concerns about burnout and mental fatigue. He said emotional and physical exhaustion often come from a lack of deeper grounding.
“Nakita na natin po na ‘yung spiritual fuel, ‘yung mental, ay kaugnay rin sa physical fuel natin. Kumbaga, naburn out din tayong lahat kapag ang Panginoon ay wala sa puso natin,” Cayetano explained.
He also emphasized the importance of rest and reflection as a way to regain clarity and strength.
“Napaka-importante po sa tao ‘yung quiet time, time with the Lord, time with yourself, time with family,” Cayetano stressed.
His remarks come as Filipino households continue to feel the impact of high fuel costs, which drive up transportation fares and the price of basic goods due to tensions in the Middle East.
Cayetano acknowledged these pressures and stressed the need for collective action.
“May mga beyond our control pero hindi tayo helpless. Kaya nga malaki ang gobyerno, kaya nga grabe ang taxing power, kaya nga may pera. Kaya nandyan din ‘yung private sector, kaya nandyan din ang media. We can all pitch in. Constructive criticism para maayos ito,” he said.
Amid these challenges, Cayetano urged Filipinos to stay grounded and to look for opportunities even in difficult times.
“Kahit anong problema, kahit anong struggle, we have to look for the opportunity.”
“Leaders see opportunities. Kahit anong problema, kahit anong struggle, we have to look for the opportunity,” he said.
Cayetano added that taking time to pause and reflect can help people move forward with clearer direction.
“Continue to pray, continue to center yourself. Kailangan natin lahat ‘yung taking one step backward before we take two steps forward,” he concluded.
