Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos has placed the country under a state of national energy emergency as the war involving Iran disrupts global oil supplies and drives fuel prices sharply higher.
In a televised address, Marcos announced that the government will immediately move to secure new sources of oil and purchase one million barrels to boost the country’s fuel reserves, which currently cover about 45 days of supply.
“We will have a flow of oil. Not just one delivery, not two deliveries, but a flow of oil-related products,” Marcos said, reassuring citizens that the government is working to stabilize supplies.
The Philippines relies heavily on imports for its energy needs, sourcing about 98 percent of its oil from the Gulf region. The country became the first to declare a formal energy emergency after diesel and petrol prices more than doubled since the outbreak of the US-Israel war with Iran on February 28.
The conflict has effectively disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes, sending shock waves through global energy markets and triggering shortages and price spikes.
Marcos said the emergency declaration gives the government expanded legal powers to intervene in the energy sector and protect the broader economy.
“Nothing is off the table. We are looking at everything we can do, whatever suggestion, whatever idea,” he said.
Under the order, a special government committee will oversee the distribution of fuel, food, medicines and other essential goods. Authorities have also been granted powers to directly purchase petroleum products to stabilize supply.
The emergency measures will remain in place for one year unless lifted or extended by the president.
The Philippine government is also working with the United States to secure exemptions that would allow the country to import oil from nations currently under U.S. sanctions, according to Philippine Ambassador to Washington Jose Manuel Romualdez.
Despite the government’s actions, the declaration has drawn criticism from labour groups and opposition voices.
The Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) labour coalition described the move as an admission that the administration failed to address the worsening fuel crisis earlier. The group also warned that provisions in the emergency order could restrict labour protests by limiting activities considered disruptive to economic activity.
KMU said this could weaken workers’ ability to strike or protest at a time when rising fuel costs are already squeezing household incomes.
Meanwhile, transport workers and ride-hailing drivers are planning a nationwide two-day strike on Thursday and Friday to protest rising fuel prices and what they describe as the government’s slow response.
Transport coalition Piston, which is leading the planned strike, is demanding sweeping reforms including the removal of fuel taxes, government controls on oil prices, higher wages and increased transport fares.
Business leaders have largely supported the emergency powers. Billionaire tycoon Manuel V. Pangilinan, who chairs several major utility companies, said the energy crisis is already affecting business operations and warned that rising energy costs are placing strain on companies.
He added that the government “should have every option” available to guide the economy through the crisis.
To conserve fuel, the government has already introduced several measures, including subsidies for transport drivers, reduced ferry services and a four-day work week for civil servants.
Energy Secretary Sharon Garin also confirmed that the country may temporarily rely more on coal-fired power plants to offset the rising costs of liquefied natural gas imports.
Asia remains particularly vulnerable to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, which last year handled nearly 90 percent of the oil and gas shipments destined for the region.
