Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared a state of “national energy emergency,” citing growing risks to fuel supply and energy stability triggered by the ongoing Middle East war.
The declaration came shortly after Energy Secretary Sharon Garin revealed plans to increase output from coal-fired power plants in a bid to manage rising electricity costs caused by disruptions in global gas shipments.
“A state of national energy emergency is hereby declared in light of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, and the resulting imminent danger posed upon the availability and stability of the country’s energy supply,” the executive order released Tuesday evening said.
The directive authorises the Department of Energy Philippines to make advance payments of up to 15 percent to secure fuel supply contracts, while also empowering authorities to act against hoarding and profiteering.
“The declaration… will enable the government, through the (energy department) and other concerned agencies, 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,” the order stated.
In addition, the Department of Transportation Philippines has been granted authority to implement fuel subsidies for public transport, reduce or suspend toll charges and aviation fees, and accelerate assistance to citizens facing economic hardship.
The Philippines, a country heavily reliant on imported fuel, is particularly vulnerable to global supply shocks. With some of the highest energy costs in the region, the government is now turning to coal as a short-term solution.
The nation of over 100 million people generates about 60 percent of its electricity from coal, and officials are now considering increasing both domestic production and imports. Indonesia, the country’s top coal supplier, has assured continued access without restrictions.
“We talked to the generation companies, the coal-powered plants, to check how much they can increase their generation,” Garin said, describing the move as a temporary measure that could begin as early as April 1.
“If we are successful in implementing this, at least we can decrease the electricity rate hikes because of the conflict in the Middle East,” she added.
Despite the immediate reliance on coal, the government is also exploring long-term solutions. Earlier this year, President Marcos announced a “significant” natural gas discovery near the Malampaya offshore field, which currently supplies a substantial portion of electricity to Luzon but is nearing depletion.
