NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Marcos Declares National Energy Emergency, Activates UPLIFT Program Amid Global Oil Market Risks
Photo credit: PCO
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared a state of national energy emergency in response to worsening global oil market conditions linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, activating a whole-of-government response to ensure energy stability and support vulnerable sectors.
The declaration was formalized on March 24, 2026, with the signing of Executive Order No. 110, which also adopts the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) to coordinate relief efforts across key sectors affected by rising fuel prices and supply disruptions.
The government said the emergency declaration aims to safeguard fuel supply, stabilize local prices, and protect consumers and businesses amid global energy market volatility brought on by geopolitical tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
Under the declaration, a national committee has been formed to coordinate interventions, monitor developments, and ensure the steady flow of essential goods and services. The emergency status is set to remain in effect for one year unless extended or lifted by the President.
The UPLIFT initiative directs government agencies to implement targeted support measures for critical sectors:
• Energy supply management: The Department of Energy (DOE) is tasked with monitoring fuel stocks, overseeing supply stability, and coordinating with state energy firms like the Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC) to secure petroleum products as needed. Regulatory adjustments and expedited additions to power generation capacity may also be considered.
• Transport support: Measures include fuel subsidies and coordinated actions from the Department of Transportation to help public transport operators, including fare assistance and expanded services.
• Social welfare: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will accelerate aid for transport workers, farmers, and other affected groups through existing support programs.
• Agriculture and food security: The Department of Agriculture will ensure the availability of food and farm inputs and may release assistance under its support programs.
• Economic stability: The Department of Finance and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas will monitor impacts on inflation, the peso, and broader economic indicators amid sustained higher energy prices.
Additional directives encourage local government units to align their efforts with national policies and for private sector partners to adopt fuel-saving measures and avoid market distortions such as hoarding or profiteering.
Officials have emphasized that the emergency declaration and UPLIFT program are designed to protect consumers, maintain critical infrastructure, and mitigate the effects of rising energy costs on households and the economy.
The declaration was formalized on March 24, 2026, with the signing of Executive Order No. 110, which also adopts the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) to coordinate relief efforts across key sectors affected by rising fuel prices and supply disruptions.
The government said the emergency declaration aims to safeguard fuel supply, stabilize local prices, and protect consumers and businesses amid global energy market volatility brought on by geopolitical tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
Under the declaration, a national committee has been formed to coordinate interventions, monitor developments, and ensure the steady flow of essential goods and services. The emergency status is set to remain in effect for one year unless extended or lifted by the President.
The UPLIFT initiative directs government agencies to implement targeted support measures for critical sectors:
• Energy supply management: The Department of Energy (DOE) is tasked with monitoring fuel stocks, overseeing supply stability, and coordinating with state energy firms like the Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC) to secure petroleum products as needed. Regulatory adjustments and expedited additions to power generation capacity may also be considered.
• Transport support: Measures include fuel subsidies and coordinated actions from the Department of Transportation to help public transport operators, including fare assistance and expanded services.
• Social welfare: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will accelerate aid for transport workers, farmers, and other affected groups through existing support programs.
• Agriculture and food security: The Department of Agriculture will ensure the availability of food and farm inputs and may release assistance under its support programs.
• Economic stability: The Department of Finance and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas will monitor impacts on inflation, the peso, and broader economic indicators amid sustained higher energy prices.
Additional directives encourage local government units to align their efforts with national policies and for private sector partners to adopt fuel-saving measures and avoid market distortions such as hoarding or profiteering.
Officials have emphasized that the emergency declaration and UPLIFT program are designed to protect consumers, maintain critical infrastructure, and mitigate the effects of rising energy costs on households and the economy.
Mar 24, 2026
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