Manila, Philippines – The government has launched a new transparency website as it moves to counter the spread of misinformation claiming it has taken no action amid the ongoing oil crisis.

The Department of Budget and Management introduced the UPLIFT microsite, accessible at uplift.gov.ph, as a centralized platform where the public can track government efforts across various agencies responding to the crisis.

DBM Undersecretary Goddes Hope Libiran said the initiative comes in response to the surge of false information circulating on social media.

"Ang dami po kasing kumakalat na mga maling impormasyon, may mga kumakalat na balita na walang ginagawa ang gobyerno. Which is not true at all."

("A lot of misinformation has been spreading, with reports circulating that the government is doing nothing. Which is not true at all.")

The website contains key data including the allocation of subsidies and cash aid, updates on commodity prices, locations of ayuda payout centers, available discounts, the country's electricity and supply situation, and the number of Filipinos who have returned home following the conflict in the Middle East.

Usec. Libiran described the platform as a "source of truth" for the public.

"Kaya po gusto naming makita nila under the directive of the President ano ba talaga ang ginagawa ng gobyerno para sa kanila. Lahat naman ng mga programa, proyekto, ayuda, tulong, lahat yan sila ang true beneficiary. Para maiwasan maligaw ng landas dahil sa mga fake news na kumakalat."

("We want them to see, under the directive of the President, what the government is truly doing for them. All the programs, projects, aid, and assistance — they are the true beneficiaries. This is to keep them from being misled by the fake news circulating.")

The DBM official added that the website is not merely a public information update but also a demonstration of the government's readiness to be scrutinized and held accountable.

Meanwhile, the proposed Unified Package for Livelihood, Industry, Food, and Transport — or UPLIFT Bill is expected to require hundreds of billions of pesos in funding once enacted into law.

The UPLIFT Committee recently convened to discuss further steps to ease the impact of rising petroleum product prices. Usec. Libiran placed the preliminary funding requirement at ₱155 billion.

"The estimated funding requirement for the proposed UPLIFT intervention is at least 155 billion based on the preliminary presentation of the Office of the Executive Secretary."

She clarified, however, that the figure is not yet final and remains subject to change depending on the needs and proposals of implementing agencies.

"We are not looking at entirely new spending but rather strategic reprioritization within the current fiscal space, consistent with prudent fiscal management and in line with whole-of-government efforts."

Under the proposed measure, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. seeks to accelerate the flow of funds for government projects, including the use of savings or unobligated allotments from fiscal years 2025 and 2026.