President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared a state of national energy emergency on March 24, 2026, to mitigate potential economic disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The declaration, formalized through Executive Order (EO) No. 110, aims to ensure the stability of the country's energy supply amidst global uncertainties.
Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) Authorized
EO No. 110 authorizes the implementation of a "Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport" (UPLIFT). This comprehensive program is designed to cushion the Philippine economy from the impact of volatile global energy prices. The directive provides the legal framework for the government to execute emergency interventions across various critical sectors, including energy supply management and consumer support.
Geopolitical Tensions Trigger Emergency Declaration
The declaration cites recent hostilities in the Middle East involving the United States, Israel, and Iran as the primary catalyst for the energy emergency. These geopolitical tensions have created uncertainty in global energy markets, leading to severe disruptions in supply chains and significant volatility in international oil prices. As a result, the Philippines, heavily reliant on imported petroleum products, faces a heightened threat to its energy security.
Closure of Strait of Hormuz Raises Concerns
The executive order specifically mentions the potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical energy corridor for global oil shipments, as a major concern. The closure could disrupt the flow of petroleum products to international markets, constraining global fuel supply and impacting the stability and adequacy of the Philippines' domestic energy supply.
Secretary of Energy's Assessment of Imminent Danger
The declaration follows a determination by the Secretary of Energy that the current circumstances pose an imminent danger of a critically low energy supply. This assessment prompted the need for urgent measures to ensure the stability and adequacy of the country's energy supply, according to the executive order.
Legal Basis for the Energy Emergency Declaration
The executive order references Section 25 of Republic Act (RA) No. 7638, also known as the Department of Energy Act of 1992, as the legal basis for the President's action. This section authorizes the President, upon the recommendation of the Secretary of Energy, to declare a critically low energy supply or imminent danger thereof and to authorize the implementation of fuel and energy allocation plans and other energy conservation measures.
UPLIFT Committee to Oversee Implementation
To oversee and coordinate the implementation of UPLIFT, the executive order establishes an UPLIFT Committee. The committee is chaired by the President of the Philippines and includes the Executive Secretary and the Secretaries of the Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Transportation (DOTr), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Finance (DOF), Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev), and Department of Budget and Management (DBM). The DEPDev serves as the Secretariat of the Committee, providing technical and administrative support.
Powers and Functions of the UPLIFT Committee
The UPLIFT Committee is tasked with several key functions, including monitoring the supply and distribution of fuel, food, medicines, agricultural products, and other essential goods. It will also ensure the continuity of public transportation, public services, public utilities, healthcare facilities, and other critical establishments and infrastructure. The committee is also responsible for safeguarding economic stability, protecting vulnerable sectors from adverse impacts, and ensuring the timely delivery of public services.
DOE to Implement Energy Supply Management Measures
The DOE is directed and authorized to take appropriate measures to safeguard the stability and adequacy of the country's energy supply and mitigate the adverse effects of disruptions in global energy supply markets. These measures include implementing fuel and energy optimization plans, adopting and enforcing energy conservation measures, coordinating with relevant government agencies, and taking action against hoarding, profiteering, and supply manipulation.
Complementary Measures to Support Consumers and Affected Sectors
The executive order outlines complementary measures to support consumers and affected sectors. These include fuel subsidies, fare subsidies, and transport programs implemented by the DOTr. The DSWD will release assistance under its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program and provide livelihood support. The DTI will monitor price increases and support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The DA will ensure food supply and support farmers and fisherfolk. The DMW will assist Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), including evacuation and repatriation efforts.
LGU Support and Private Sector Participation Encouraged
Local Government Units (LGUs) are urged to support national measures and allocate resources as needed. The private sector is encouraged to assist the government, conserve energy, support the workforce, and prevent profiteering.
Funding for the Energy Emergency Response
Funding for the UPLIFT program will be sourced from existing appropriations and other lawful sources.
Duration of the State of National Energy Emergency
The declaration of a state of national energy emergency will remain in force for one year, unless extended or lifted. The executive order is effective immediately upon publication.
Government Granted Broad Authority
Executive Order No. 110 grants the government significant authority over fuel, electricity, transport, prices, permits, and the supply chain to address the energy emergency. These measures are designed to ensure the stability of the Philippine economy and protect its citizens from the potential impacts of the global energy crisis.
Photo credit: Photo from Official Gazette of the Philippines