Due to the ongoing conflict, President Bongbong Marcos declares this.
President Bongbong Marcos declared a state of national energy emergency on Tuesday due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has declared a state of national emergency to address potential disruption in fuel supply and stabilize the country’s energy sector. He cited threats due to ongoing tensions in the Middle East and volatility in global oil markets, which have prompted the government to make the declaration.
According to the declaration, this will be in effect for one year and aims to allow the government to respond more quickly to potential disruptions in energy supply and rising fuel prices. It lets the government make sure there’s enough fuel and keep the economy steady.
“The Secretary of Energy has determined that the foregoing circumstances pose an imminent danger of a critically low energy supply and that urgent measures are necessary to ensure the stability and adequacy of the country’s energy supply,” the order read.
It added, “The declaration of a state of national energy emergency will enable the government… to implement responsive and coordinated measures under existing laws to address the risks posed by disruptions in the global energy supply and the domestic economy.”
The Department of Energy (DOE) was given authorization to “take appropriate measures… to mitigate the effects of disruptions in global energy supply markets.”
Moreover, the DOE, the Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC), and the PNOC-Exploration Corporation (PNOC-EC) are now allowed to “make advance payment of an amount exceeding 15 percent of the contract amount” when “deemed necessary.”
DOE may also undertake the following measures:
- implementation of fuel and energy optimization plans such as prudent energy management and load adjustments
- enforcement of appropriate energy conservation measures
- policies to “ensure the stability of energy supply and mitigate the impact of rising fuel costs on electricity generation and consumer prices”
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has been ordered to expand the Libreng Sakay Program (free rides). The president also ordered the creation of the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT). This is to protect the nation by keeping energy supply steady, essential services running, the economy moving, and citizens’ well-being safe.
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