BREAKING NEWS | Marcos declares ‘energy emergency’ amid Middle-east war-driven oil shock
Executive Order No. 110, issued March 24, 2026, activates a whole-of-government response framework called the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food and Transport (UPLIFT) to secure energy supply, stabilize prices and protect critical sectors from the fallout.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has declared a State of National Energy Emergency as a global oil shock triggered by the escalating United States-Israel conflict with Iran drives fuel prices higher and threatens economic stability.
Executive Order No. 110, issued March 24, 2026, activates a whole-of-government response framework called the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food and Transport (UPLIFT) to secure energy supply, stabilize prices and protect critical sectors from the fallout.
Global oil prices have surged past $100 per barrel following attacks on energy infrastructure and disruptions to shipping routes near the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic corridor for a significant portion of the world’s oil supply. The disruption has tightened supply and amplified volatility across energy markets.
The conflict has triggered a broad economic ripple effect. Businesses across major economies report rising costs and slowing activity as higher fuel prices feed into transportation, manufacturing and logistics. Airlines have warned of fare increases of up to 20 percent, while manufacturers in Europe are experiencing the sharpest cost inflation in decades.
Economists warn that sustained oil prices above $120 per barrel could push multiple economies toward recession, raising the risk of simultaneous inflation and slowing growth. Higher energy costs are also increasing fertilizer and food production expenses, adding pressure to global supply chains and consumer prices.
Energy-importing economies such as the Philippines face heightened exposure, as fuel price increases quickly translate into inflation, currency pressure and reduced economic activity. Governments across Asia and other developing regions are responding with a mix of subsidies, fiscal adjustments and supply interventions to cushion the impact.
Under EO 110, the UPLIFT framework centralizes coordination across key agencies, including energy, transport, agriculture, finance, budget and economic planning. The Department of Economy, Planning and Development will serve as secretariat, while the President chairs the response body.
The government aims to ensure continuous fuel availability, maintain operations in transport, utilities and logistics, and protect vulnerable sectors from price shocks. The Department of Energy has been directed to implement conservation measures, manage demand and prevent hoarding or price manipulation.
To secure supply, the Department of Energy, together with the Philippine National Oil Company and its exploration arm, has been authorized to procure petroleum products and make advance payments beyond standard limits when necessary.
Local government units have been instructed to align with national directives and may realign funds to address localized impacts of rising fuel costs. All national agencies are required to support the emergency response.
The declaration will remain in effect for one year unless lifted or extended by the President and took effect immediately upon issuance.
Beyond short-term stabilization, the order underscores the need to accelerate the transition to renewable energy, reflecting a broader push to reduce dependence on imported fuel.
The emergency declaration highlights a persistent structural risk: the Philippines’ reliance on external energy sources in a volatile geopolitical environment. As the conflict continues to disrupt global supply chains, the government’s response seeks to manage immediate price shocks while advancing longer-term energy resilience.
LINK: Executive Order No. 110
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