MANILA — Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared a national energy emergency in response to the threat posed by the ongoing U.S.-Israel war with Iran, citing risks to the country’s oil supply and overall energy security.
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The executive order, signed on Tuesday, grants Marcos emergency powers under the Department of Energy Act to implement a fuel and energy allocation plan and other conservation measures. It also instructs the Department of Energy to take steps to stabilize domestic supply, prevent hoarding and profiteering, and ensure the uninterrupted delivery of essential services.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr declared a state of national energy emergency in response to the Middle East conflict and what he called an ‘imminent danger’ posed to the country’s energy supply https://t.co/3FVbQiJR1L pic.twitter.com/FWxlaD8mnp
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Under the declaration, the government may purchase fuel more quickly and flexibly, including by making advance payments exceeding 15% of contract amounts. A whole-of-government framework is adopted to safeguard energy supply and maintain continuity in economic activities.
The Philippines relies heavily on oil imports, with 98% coming from the Middle East, making it particularly vulnerable to disruptions caused by the conflict in the Gulf. Department of Energy Secretary Sharon Garin reported that the country currently has sufficient gasoline for 53 days, diesel for 46 days, jet fuel for 38 days, and liquefied petroleum gas for nearly 24 days.
Since the conflict began on February 28, Marcos has implemented measures such as coordinating fuel price increases with oil companies and mandating government employees to work from home one day a week to reduce energy consumption.
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The Presidential Communications Office highlighted the global energy market volatility caused by the war, warning that rising oil prices and supply chain disruptions threaten the nation’s energy security.
Labor groups, including the Kilusang Mayo Uno coalition, criticized the government for failing to provide wage support or relief from soaring fuel costs. Coalition Chair Jerome Adonis called the measures “band-aid solutions” that do not address the underlying crisis affecting Filipino workers.