TARLAKENYO (March 24, 2026) — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has officially placed the Philippines under a state of national energy emergency following a sharp escalation of hostilities in the Middle East.
The declaration, signed this evening, March 24, 2026, as Executive Order No. 110, responds to the imminent danger of critically low energy supplies and the severe volatility of international oil prices triggered by the potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
This emergency status is scheduled to remain in effect for one year unless the President decides to lift or extend it earlier.
To manage the crisis, the President has activated the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport, or UPLIFT.
A specialized UPLIFT Committee, chaired by the President himself, will oversee the delivery of essential services and ensure the continued movement of food, medicine, and fuel throughout the country. The Department of Economy, Planning, and Development has been designated as the committee’s Secretariat to provide administrative support.
Under the new order, Local Government Units (LGUs) across the country are strongly urged to align their local policies with the national directive. Local chief executives are encouraged to reallocate local funds, including any unutilized subsidies, to mitigate the impact of fuel supply disruptions within their respective jurisdictions.
All LGUs are also mandated by the order to activate their Energy Efficiency and Conservation Offices to serve as primary coordination hubs with the Department of Energy.
The Department of Energy has been granted expanded powers to safeguard the domestic market, which include taking direct action against hoarding, profiteering, and supply manipulation.
The agency is also authorized to implement fuel optimization plans and may even recommend the temporary suspension of the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market if price volatility becomes too extreme.
The government has authorized the Philippine National Oil Company to undertake emergency procurement of fuel, with the power to make advance payments exceeding the usual 15% limit when certified by the Energy Secretary to ensure a steady supply.
Complementary support measures are also being rolled out to assist the public during the emergency period.
The Department of Transportation will implement fuel and commuter fare subsidies alongside an expanded “Libreng Sakay” program to reduce the burden on the commuting public.
Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture is tasked with procuring fertilizers and other essential inputs to maintain food security and protect the livelihoods of farmers. The Department of Migrant Workers will mobilize the AKSYON Fund to assist those who may be distressed or require repatriation due to the Middle East conflict.
