President Marcos places PH under state of national energy emergency for one year

MANILA - President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed Executive Order No. 110, declaring a state of national energy emergency for one year due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

The declaration cites "imminent danger" to the country’s energy supply stability and adequacy, particularly following recent hostilities involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. 

Key concerns include potential disruptions to the Strait of Hormuz and the impact of global oil price volatility on the domestic economy.

Marcos said a committee has been formed to ensure the orderly movement, supply, distribution and availability of fuel, food, medicines, agricultural products and other essential goods.

The order activates the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) and establishes the UPLIFT Committee. Chaired by the President and composed of key cabinet members, this committee will:

• Manage energy supply: Oversee efforts led by the Department of Energy to maintain stable domestic fuel levels.

• Ensure essential services: Monitor the distribution of food, medicine, and agricultural products while maintaining public transport operations.

• Implement demand-side strategies: Develop long-term plans to reduce petroleum consumption across households, businesses, and industries.

• Protect vulnerable groups: Safeguard the welfare of citizens and sustain national economic activity during supply chain disruptions.

In an executive order shared with media, Marcos said the conflict had created uncertainty in global energy markets, severe supply chain disruption and significant volatility and upward pressure on international oil prices "thereby posing a threat to the country’s energy security".

"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," he said.

The declaration, which will remain in effect for one year, authorizes the government to procure required fuel and petroleum products to ensure timely and sufficient supply and, if necessary, pay part of the contract amount in advance.

Philippine Energy Secretary Sharon Garin earlier on Tuesday told a news briefing the country had around 45 days of fuel supply based on current consumption levels.

She said the government was working to procure 1 million barrels of oil from countries within and outside Southeast Asia to build its buffer stock.

-Paraluman News with Karen Lema and Nestor Corrales and Mikhail Flores; Writing by Martin Petty/Reuters