President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared a state of national energy emergency on March 24, 2026, responding to potential economic disruptions stemming from escalating tensions in the Middle East. The declaration is formalized through Executive Order No. 110, which aims to mitigate the impact of volatile global energy prices on the Philippine economy.
The executive order authorizes a “unified package for livelihoods, industry, food, and transport” (UPLIFT) to address potential crises. This framework will enable the government to implement emergency interventions across critical sectors, ensuring stability and protecting vulnerable populations.
Geopolitical Tensions Trigger Emergency Declaration
The declaration of a national energy emergency is directly linked to recent hostilities involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. According to Executive Order No. 110, these conflicts have “heightened geopolitical tensions” in a region critical to global oil production and transportation. This situation creates uncertainty in energy markets, disrupts supply chains, and puts upward pressure on international oil prices.
Stay informed with our free weekly newsletter. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Specifically, the executive order highlights the potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital energy corridor for global oil shipments. The closure could disrupt the flow of petroleum products and constrain global fuel supply, with significant implications for the Philippines’ domestic energy supply.
Philippines’ Vulnerability as a Net Importer of Fuel
The Philippines’ dependence on external fuel sources makes it particularly vulnerable to global energy disruptions. Executive Order No. 110 emphasizes that the country is a net importer of petroleum products, relying heavily on foreign sources to meet domestic energy demands. This reliance exposes the Philippines to the risks associated with disruptions in global oil production and transportation, which can affect the availability and timely delivery of essential petroleum products.
The Secretary of Energy determined that these circumstances pose an imminent danger of a critically low energy supply, necessitating urgent measures to ensure stability. The declaration aligns with Section 25 of Republic Act No. 7638, also known as the Department of Energy Act of 1992, which authorizes the President to declare a critically low energy supply upon the recommendation of the Secretary of Energy.
The UPLIFT Program: A Whole-of-Government Response
Executive Order No. 110 establishes the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) as the government’s coordinated response framework. The UPLIFT program aims to safeguard national interests by ensuring the stability of domestic energy supply, the uninterrupted delivery of essential services, the continuity of economic activity, and the welfare of all citizens.
The program encompasses energy supply management measures implemented by the Department of Energy (DOE) and its attached agencies, as well as complementary measures to support consumers and affected sectors, coordinated by other relevant government agencies. This comprehensive approach seeks to address both the supply and demand sides of the energy equation during the crisis.
Composition and Functions of the UPLIFT Committee
To oversee and coordinate the implementation of UPLIFT, Executive Order No. 110 convenes the UPLIFT Committee, chaired by the President of the Philippines. Members of the committee include the Executive Secretary, 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 the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).
The DEPDev will serve as the Secretariat of the Committee, providing technical and administrative support. The UPLIFT Committee is tasked with monitoring the supply and distribution of essential goods, ensuring the continuity of public services, safeguarding economic stability, streamlining permit processes, and formulating long-term solutions to reduce fuel consumption.
Specific Energy Emergency Measures Authorized
The Executive Order empowers the DOE to implement a range of measures to manage the energy crisis. These include implementing fuel and energy optimization plans, enforcing energy conservation measures, coordinating with other government agencies to stabilize energy supply and mitigate rising fuel costs, and taking action against hoarding and profiteering. The DOE is also authorized to exercise powers under applicable laws, including Republic Acts 8479, 12120, and 9511, in times of emergency.
Furthermore, the DOE can direct attached agencies like PNOC and PNOC-EC to assist in ensuring fuel supply stability, adopt resource conservation mechanisms, accelerate the connection of additional generation capacity, and ensure strict implementation of the Government Energy Management Program (GEMP).
Support for Consumers and Vulnerable Sectors
Executive Order No. 110 outlines complementary measures to support consumers and affected sectors. The DOTr will implement measures to mitigate transport impact, including fuel and fare subsidies and transport programs. The DSWD will release assistance under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program and provide livelihood support.
The DTI will monitor price increases and support MSMEs, while the DA will ensure food supply and support farmers and fisherfolk. The DMW will assist OFWs, including evacuation and the AKSYON fund. The DOF will monitor the peso and the overall economic impact, and the DBM will ensure funding sources are available.
LGUs and Private Sector Engagement
The Executive Order urges Local Government Units (LGUs) to support national measures and allocate resources as needed. LGUs are encouraged to reallocate funds and activate energy conservation offices.
The private sector is also encouraged to assist the government, conserve energy, support the workforce, and prevent profiteering. The Executive Order promotes flexible work arrangements to reduce energy consumption.
Funding and Duration of the Emergency
Funding for the UPLIFT program will come from existing government appropriations and other lawful sources, including available emergency funds. The declaration of a national energy emergency will remain in force for one year unless extended or lifted by the President.
Executive Order No. 110 took effect immediately upon publication on March 24, 2026. The declaration aims to provide the government with the necessary authority and resources to address the potential energy crisis and protect the Philippine economy from the adverse effects of global geopolitical instability.
Photo credit: Photo from the Official Gazette of the Philippines
Stay informed — get Negros Oriental news weekly
Free newsletter, no spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
- 01
- 02
- 03
- 04
