24/03/2026
Since today is March 24, 2026, this is a developing situation. President Marcos Jr. has just signed Executive Order (EO) No. 110, declaring a State of National Energy Emergency for one year.
This is a serious move by the government to protect the country from the fallout of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has disrupted the global oil supply.
What does "State of National Energy Emergency" mean?
In simple terms, it gives the government "emergency powers" to bypass slow red tape so they can move faster to keep the country running. Under EO 110:
Faster Procurement: The Department of Energy (DOE) can now buy oil and fuel stocks more quickly, including making advance payments to secure supply before prices go even higher.
The "UPLIFT" Program: A new committee (Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport) has been formed to make sure that even if oil is scarce, food, medicine, and transport keep moving.
Price Control: The government can more strictly monitor and act against hoarding (people hiding fuel to sell later) and price manipulation.
Interim Fuels: The DOE is allowing some older vehicles and power plants to use "Euro II" fuel (an older type) temporarily to make sure there is enough volume for everyone.
What Citizens need to know?
Transport Changes: The DOTr is expanding "Libreng Sakay" and extending train hours (LRT/MRT) in Metro Manila. Expect more people to shift to public transport as gas prices hit β±100ββ±130+ per liter.
Flexible Work/School: MalacaΓ±ang is urging the private sector to adopt flexible work schedules or 4-day workweeks to reduce the "demand" for transportation and office electricity.
Electricity Rates: Because power plants will have to pay more for fuel, your electric bill (Meralco) will likely see a significant "Generation Charge" increase starting in April.
How to Prepare:
1. Audit Your "Essential" Needs: In an emergency, stop using the stations for "fun" electronics. Save them for LED lights, phone charging (for communication/emergency news), and one electric fan.
2. Food Security: With the UPLIFT committee monitoring food, expect some grocery items to fluctuate in price. It is a good idea to keep a 2-week stock of essentials now before "panic buying" starts.
3. Conserve During "Peak Hours": Between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM, try to turn off all non-essential lights in your house. This helps the whole grid avoid the "rotational brownouts" mentioned earlier.
4. Check Your Solar Compatibility: Ensure you have a way to charge your stations without the wall plug. If the emergency lasts months, the sun will be your only free source of power.