Philippines declares 'state of national energy emergency' amid Middle East conflict
[Editor's Note: Follow Khaleej Times live blog amid US-Israel-Iran war for the latest regional developments.]President Ferdinand Marcos Jr on Tuesday placed the Philippines under a "state of national energy emergency" in response to the ongoing Middle East conflict, which he called an "imminent danger" to the country's energy supply.Marcos said the conflict had created uncertainty in global energy markets, severe supply chain disruption and significant volatility and upward pressure on international oil prices "thereby posing a threat to the country’s energy security".In the Executive Order (EO) No. 110 Marcos signed, he cited Section 25 of the Department of Energy Act of 1992, giving authority to the President, upon determination and recommendation of the Secretary of Energy, to declare a critically low energy supply or imminent danger thereof, and authorise the implementation of the fuel and energy allocation plan and other energy conservation measures.Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels."The declaration of a state of national energy emergency will enable the government ... to implement responsive and coordinated measures under existing laws to address the risks posed by disruptions in the global energy supply and the domestic economy," Marcos said.The state of national energy emergency will remain in effect for one year.Marcos said a committee has been formed to ensure the orderly movement, supply, distribution and availability of fuel, food, medicines, agricultural products and other essential goods.Mixed messagingMere hours before Marcos’ issuance, his Cabinet members were united in saying the Philippines’ fuel stock remains at a “comfortable level.”In a press conference on Tuesday afternoon, Department of Energy secretary Sharon Garin told reporters jet fuel has at least a month’s worth of supply, along with refined petroleum products like diesel, petrol and kerosene.But in an interview with Bloomberg published on Tuesday, Marcos said grounding Philippine carriers due to a shortage of jet fuel brought on by the US-Israel-Iran war is a "distinct possibility". Garin’s undersecretary Sandy Sales, meanwhile, blamed senators for taking a break without passing legislation giving the president emergency powers to suspend taxes on oil products.The slight sent a usually calm Senator Loren Legarda ballistic, objecting to the accusation and clarifying that the President’s “certified urgent” pieces of legislation was in fact passed by both Houses of Congress before its scheduled recess for the Christian Holy Week break starting this week.Bolting to her feet in anger, Legarda pointed out that it was Marcos who first requested emergency powers which, when passed, he was setting aside in favour of “palliative measures” like cash aids to public transportation drivers.Legarda also pointed out Congress approved the temporary importation and sale of Euro 2 diesel fuels as a stop gap measure against supply constrictions brought about the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.“So, which is which? Tell us what you need, we will do it. But never accuse us of taking a break without doing our job!” she fumed.Legarda’s "outburst" was supported by fellow Senators Win Gatchalian, Bam Aquino and Risa Hontiveros who chorused that unless the Marcos government admits to crisis level energy problems, his government would remain unable to help Filipinos affected by the war in the Middle East.Marcos’s national energy emergency declaration, however, has little to do with lowering pump prices of fuel. Rather, it still orders aid packages for “Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport.”This means fuel prices in the Philippines would be dictated on whether the war in the Middle East de-escalates or continues to worsen.(With reports from Reuters)Filipino activists protest outside the US Embassy in Manila amid the US-Israel-Iran war and rising fuel prices in the PhilippinesPhilippines implements temporary 4-day work week in govt offices due to rising oil prices Petrol prices up by 177%, Philippines hardest hit by Middle East crisis in Southeast AsiaPhilippines' Marcos calls UAE President, extends solidarity, hopes for end to hostilities
[Editor's Note: Follow Khaleej Times live blog amid US-Israel-Iran war for the latest regional developments.]
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr on Tuesday placed the Philippines under a "state of national energy emergency" in response to the ongoing Middle East conflict, which he called an "imminent danger" to the country's energy supply.
Marcos said the conflict had created uncertainty in global energy markets, severe supply chain disruption and significant volatility and upward pressure on international oil prices "thereby posing a threat to the country’s energy security".
In the Executive Order (EO) No. 110 Marcos signed, he cited Section 25 of the Department of Energy Act of 1992, giving authority to the President, upon determination and recommendation of the Secretary of Energy, to declare a critically low energy supply or imminent danger thereof, and authorise the implementation of the fuel and energy allocation plan and other energy conservation measures.
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
"The declaration of a state of national energy emergency will enable the government ... to implement responsive and coordinated measures under existing laws to address the risks posed by disruptions in the global energy supply and the domestic economy," Marcos said.
The state of national energy emergency will remain in effect for one year.
Marcos said a committee has been formed to ensure the orderly movement, supply, distribution and availability of fuel, food, medicines, agricultural products and other essential goods.
Mixed messaging
Mere hours before Marcos’ issuance, his Cabinet members were united in saying the Philippines’ fuel stock remains at a “comfortable level.”
In a press conference on Tuesday afternoon, Department of Energy secretary Sharon Garin told reporters jet fuel has at least a month’s worth of supply, along with refined petroleum products like diesel, petrol and kerosene.
But in an interview with Bloomberg published on Tuesday, Marcos said grounding Philippine carriers due to a shortage of jet fuel brought on by the US-Israel-Iran war is a "distinct possibility".
Garin’s undersecretary Sandy Sales, meanwhile, blamed senators for taking a break without passing legislation giving the president emergency powers to suspend taxes on oil products.
The slight sent a usually calm Senator Loren Legarda ballistic, objecting to the accusation and clarifying that the President’s “certified urgent” pieces of legislation was in fact passed by both Houses of Congress before its scheduled recess for the Christian Holy Week break starting this week.
Bolting to her feet in anger, Legarda pointed out that it was Marcos who first requested emergency powers which, when passed, he was setting aside in favour of “palliative measures” like cash aids to public transportation drivers.
Legarda also pointed out Congress approved the temporary importation and sale of Euro 2 diesel fuels as a stop gap measure against supply constrictions brought about the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
“So, which is which? Tell us what you need, we will do it. But never accuse us of taking a break without doing our job!” she fumed.
Legarda’s "outburst" was supported by fellow Senators Win Gatchalian, Bam Aquino and Risa Hontiveros who chorused that unless the Marcos government admits to crisis level energy problems, his government would remain unable to help Filipinos affected by the war in the Middle East.
Marcos’s national energy emergency declaration, however, has little to do with lowering pump prices of fuel. Rather, it still orders aid packages for “Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport.”
This means fuel prices in the Philippines would be dictated on whether the war in the Middle East de-escalates or continues to worsen.
(With reports from Reuters) Filipino activists protest outside the US Embassy in Manila amid the US-Israel-Iran war and rising fuel prices in the Philippines
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