Marcos pushes unified Asia response to energy crisis
President Marcos has called for a unified regional response to the ongoing energy crisis, warning that no country in Asia can withstand global supply shocks alone.
Speaking at the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) Plus Online Summit, Marcos said the current crisis has exposed shared vulnerabilities across the region.
“No single country in Asia can insulate itself from supply chain shocks of this scale by acting alone,” he said on Wednesday, April 15.
Marcos said the disruption of global oil supply chains, particularly following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, has had immediate effects on the Philippines.
“When global supply chains are disrupted… the effects arrive at our shores very swiftly and are felt severely,” he said, noting the sharp increases in diesel and LPG prices in recent weeks.
Inflation, sectors under pressure
The President said the crisis is driving inflation and placing pressure on key sectors.
“Our transport logistics, our food supply, our manufacturing sector are all under real severe pressure,” he said.
He warned that imported inflation threatens vulnerable households.
Gov’t response underway
Marcos said the government has activated measures to mitigate the impact of rising fuel prices.
These include the declaration of a State of National Energy Emergency and the rollout of the UPLIFT program, which covers fuel optimization, anti-hoarding enforcement, and targeted assistance for affected sectors.
Despite these measures, the President said domestic interventions alone are not enough.
“These are necessary measures. They are, however, not sufficient on their own,” he said, stressing the need for coordinated regional solutions.
PH boosts energy resilience
Marcos said the Philippines is strengthening its long-term energy security.
He cited efforts to diversify oil sourcing away from heavy dependence on Middle Eastern routes.
The government is also proposing to increase petroleum stockholding from 15 to 30 days and LPG reserves from 7 to 21 days.
The President said the country is developing a domestic strategic petroleum reserve.
He said this would serve as a buffer against future supply disruptions.
Energy transition push
Marcos said the Philippines is also working to reduce dependence on imported oil.
He cited ongoing efforts in transport electrification, energy efficiency, and expanded biofuel use.
“We cannot wait for the next crisis to act,” he said.
ASEAN mechanism backed
The President expressed support for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Framework Agreement on Petroleum Security, which allows member states to supply up to 10 percent of a country’s fuel needs during emergencies.
“This mechanism… could serve as a meaningful buffer for smaller economies,” he said.
Marcos outlined three proposals for regional cooperation, including activating the framework’s emergency response mechanism, conducting joint simulation exercises, and studying joint oil stockpiling.
He also proposed establishing mutual recognition of emergency fuel allocation protocols.
Japan's role highlighted
Meanwhile, Marcos thanked Japan for convening the summit and leading regional energy initiatives.
“Japan’s leadership… reflects both the gravity of the challenge and the spirit of partnership,” he said.
Call for collective action
The President said the current crisis presents an opportunity to build a stronger regional energy system.
“Our vulnerabilities are shared, and therefore so must our responses be,” he said.
He added that the Philippines is ready to work with regional partners to ensure energy security, affordability, and resilience.