Marcos, nagdeklara ng state of national energy emergency
Idineklara ni Pangulong Marcos Jr. ang state of national energy emergency at iniutos ang pagpapatupad ng UPLIFT program para matulungan ang mga apektadong sektor.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared a state of national energy emergency on March 24, 2026, through Executive Order No. 110, in response to global oil supply disruptions caused by the ongoing Middle East conflict. The declaration aims to address threats to the Philippines' energy supply stability and prevent economic disruptions. The EO activates the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) program as a whole-of-government response to safeguard fuel availability and protect vulnerable sectors including transport, agriculture, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The UPLIFT program coordinates efforts among government agencies to ensure uninterrupted operations of essential services like public transport, utilities, and hospitals. It directs the Department of Energy to implement energy optimization and conservation measures, secure fuel supplies, and take appropriate action against hoarding, profiteering, and supply manipulation. The program also mandates government offices and local government units to adopt energy efficiency measures while urging private sector cooperation in maintaining supply chains and avoiding unfair pricing practices.
This declaration comes amid rising global oil prices exceeding $80 per barrel, with the Philippines experiencing fuel prices surpassing P100 per liter for the first time. The emergency declaration follows earlier government measures including a temporary four-day workweek in select executive branch offices starting March 9, 2026, and directives for government agencies to reduce electricity and fuel consumption by 10-20%. The state of emergency is set to last for one year from declaration, with funding coming from existing budgets and additional allocations as needed.
Key officials involved include President Marcos Jr., who signed the executive order, and relevant agencies like the Department of Energy, Department of Transportation, and Department of Trade and Industry that will implement the UPLIFT program. The declaration represents a significant government intervention to address energy security concerns while balancing economic stability and protecting Filipino consumers from the impacts of global energy market volatility.
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