Claire Castro stated no plans to borrow money internationally

By Philippine Canadian Inquirer

March 12, 2026

(Screengrab from RTVMalacanang)

MANILA, Philippines – In a press conference on March 12, 2026, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro answered questions regarding the government response to the Middle East tensions.

When asked about the government’s plans to borrow money from international lending institutions to fund the Middle East crisis response, she responded that currently there were no plans to do so and that it has already been discussed with Secretary Go from the Department of Finance.

“Ngayon po ay walang balak,” she stated.

(“As of now there is no plan.”)

She went on to confirm that currently the government’s funds are sufficient and are enough to handle the crisis around the country regarding fuel. Furthermore, she said that there are no plans, and furthermore, no need, to borrow money as of March 12, 2026.