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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Escudero calls for a unified approach in addressing global fuel, energy disruptions

Escudero calls for a unified approach in addressing global fuel, energy disruptions

Published Mar 26, 2026 03:35 pm

At A Glance

  • A unified government framework is needed to effectively address the global fuel and energy disruptions amid the continuing conflict in the Middle East, Sen. Francis "Chiz" Escudero said on Thursday, March 26.


A unified government framework is needed to effectively address the global fuel and energy disruptions amid the continuing conflict in the Middle East, Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero said on Thursday, March 26.

Escudero made the call as he welcomed President Marcos’ signing of Executive Order No. 110, declaring a state of national energy emergency for the whole Philippines and the adoption of the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food and Transport (UPLIFT) for affected sectors.

With this, the senator said agencies, schools, local government units (LGUs), businesses need to act together under a unified framework.

“The global energy landscape is shifting and we cannot afford fragmented responses . To protect the Filipino family and keep our economy moving , all sectors must contribute to a coordinated plan,” Escudero said.

“We may be the first nation to declare a State of National Energy Emergency amid this standoff, not because we are the most vulnerable, but because we are prepared to buckle down to work,” he stressed.

He also welcomed the issuance of the Energy Regulatory Commission’s (ERC) order suspending operations of the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, as this move would give timely regulatory intervention to help stabilize electricity supply and shield consumers from potential price volatility amid the global energy disruption.

“This decisive action from the ERC ensures that power sector stakeholders operate under clear, steady guidance at a time when international tensions threaten our fuel and energy security,” he said.

At the same time, Escudero suggested that the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) ensure schools and universities adopt energy‑saving practices  through an energy efficiency dashboards, not just save energy.

“Academic institutions are large consumers of energy. Education is among the best lead in our national discipline,” he noted.

Moreover, Escudero emphasized the huge role of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) in keeping local government units (LGUs) aligned with the state’s energy policies.

“Local governments are the guardians of our communities, closest to the people,” he stressed, while reminding that priority must be given to critical services-emergency, health security services even while trimming the non-essential consumptions in the community.

Meanwhile, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and other agencies should enjoin businesses, including cafés, restaurants, bars, and the hospitality sector, to promote responsible use of energy use

Escudero reiterated that the private sector plays a vital role in keeping up with energy-saving measures.

This is especially important during the summer months, when energy usage spikes due to higher temperatures and demand.

“Preparation is not an admission of defeat. We are acting today so that these disruptions do not take us by surprise,” he emphasized.

Related Tags

Chiz Escudero Middle East conflict oil price adjustment National energy emergency
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