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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Should malls cut operating hours? Almario wants this energy-saving measure studied

Should malls cut operating hours? Almario wants this energy-saving measure studied

Published Mar 25, 2026 12:38 pm

At A Glance

  • House "Young Guns" bloc member Davao Oriental 2nd district Rep. Cheeno Miguel Almario is asking authorities to look into the possibility of temporarily reducing the operating hours of malls as an energy-saving measure.
Davao Oriental 2nd district Rep. Cheeno Miguel Almario (Facebook)
Davao Oriental 2nd district Rep. Cheeno Miguel Almario (Facebook)


House "Young Guns" bloc member Davao Oriental 2nd district Rep. Cheeno Miguel Almario is asking authorities to look into the possibility of temporarily reducing the operating hours of malls as an energy-saving measure.
Almario filed last March 17 House Resolution (HR) No. 893, which urged the Department of Trade Trade and Industry (DTI) and Department of Energy (DOE) in coordination with local government units (LGUs) to conduct a study.
He said the study will assess the need to temporarily adjust and or reduce the operating hours of malls and other commercial establishments nationwide as part of the energy efficiency and conservation measures.
Almario's measure took a cue from President Marcos' issuance of Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 114 last March 3.
In the memo, Marcos directing all government agencies to ensure adherence and adoption of energy conservation measures amid the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East:
It also noted that on March 4, the DOE issued an advisory directing all government offices to adopt and sustain energy efficiency and conservation (EEC) measures aimed at achieving at least 10 percent savings in energy consumption, to ensure sufficient and reliable electricity supply during the hot dry season.
To justify his resolution, Almario says it is provided under Republic Act No. (RA) 1 12851, that it is the policy of the state to institutionalize energy efficiency and conservation as a national way of life towards the efficient and judicious utilization of energy to cushion the impact of high prices of imported fuels to local markets.
"Under Section 23 of RA No.11285, DOE is vested with visitorial powers and on-site inspections in designated establishments to inspect energy-consuming facilities, evaluate energy management systems and procedures and identify areas for effiency improvement related to the compliance requirements of the Act, among others," the Mindanao solon noted.
"Commercial establisments, particularly malls in the metropolitan areas, that consumes 500,000 kWh (kilowatts per hour) per annum are considered a designated establishment that is mandated to integrate an energy management policy in their business and set up programs and design measures to promote energy efficiency, conservation and sufficiency, among other[s]," he said.
The resolution futher read: "Considering the energy volatility due to ongoing the Middle East tensions, there is a need to pursue a collaborative efforts in the energy conservation and sustainable consumption."
Over the weekend, President Marcos declared a state of national energy emergency amid the Middle East-conflict triggered fuel price crisis.

Related Tags

Cheeno Miguel Almario Fuel price crisis Malls
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