BIZ BUZZ: Insensitive remark falls flat
At a time when every precious peso counts, even a supposedly harmless joke can land poorly—especially for people dealing with financial anxiety.
“Sino hindi naka-EV (electric vehicle) dito? (Who’s not using an EV here?)” a government official in the energy sector quipped before a media briefing on Monday.
Seeing just nods or head shakes—and even silent glances—from members of the press, he continued with a laugh and lecturing tone: “Hindi kayo sumunod sa energy efficiency (You’re not following energy efficiency [directives].”
It’s true, President Marcos ordered government offices to reduce their fuel use, as oil prices have skyrocketed by as much as P48 per liter for diesel alone since the war erupted in the Middle East on Feb. 28.
Four-day workweek scheme. Stricter air-conditioning settings. Turning off lights and computers during lunch breaks.
These are just some of the prescribed energy-saving measures.
Without a solid plan on how to soften prices and alleviate the plight of most Filipinos—not just subsidies for transportation and agri sectors—is asking people, even jokingly, to use EVs a sensitive remark?
In theory, switching to EVs makes sense. Cleaner air, significant savings on fuel, yada yada.
But shifting to one would cost P500,000 for a compact unit, to more than P7 million for luxury ones.
For ordinary people earning minimum wage or even slightly above that, owning one is simply not an option.
That certain official must follow his girl boss, who asked the public to join government efforts to be wise on fuel use with warmth in her voice.
At challenging times like this, empathy should be a must for those in charge.
And in a world hounded with uncertainties, one thing is certain: A little grounding won’t hurt.
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