Marcos orders P20B emergency fund to secure fuel supply

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the release of P20 billion emergency fund to the Department of Energy (DOE) to secure the country’s fuel supply and shield Filipinos from the impact of the global oil crisis, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said Wednesday. In a statement, the DBM said the funding, sourced from the Malampaya Gas Fund under the Special Account in the General Fund, was released through a Special Allotment Release Order and Notice of Cash Allocation to support the government’s Emergency Energy Security Program. The P20 billion intervention will fund the strategic procurement of fuel products—including diesel, gasoline, and liquefied petroleum gas—to boost national fuel inventory, stabilize pump prices, and ensure uninterrupted operations across transport, logistics, agriculture, emergency response, and other critical sectors, the DBM said. The program will be implemented by the Philippine National Oil Company–Exploration Corporation, which has already initiated procurement activities to immediately augment domestic supply. "This is about protecting the daily life of every Filipino—from the jeepney driver and delivery rider, to our farmers, frontliners, and ordinary families," Budget Secretary Rolando Toledo said. "Under the President’s directive, we are moving with urgency to ensure that fuel remains available, prices are moderated, and essential services continue uninterrupted. This is government acting ahead of the crisis—not reacting after the damage is done," he added. Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III on Tuesday night said the House of Representatives was prepared to move with “the same urgency, through targeted interventions, close oversight, and real relief for our people.” Dy said the President’s move was a timely and necessary step to shield the country from the growing impact of the Middle East conflict on fuel supply, prices, and the broader economy. The Philippine National Police (PNP) vowed to ensure the orderly implementation of regulations to maintain peace and security and encouraged everyone to stay informed, remain cooperative, and practice responsible energy use. The Armed Forces of the  Philippines said it recognized that the development has a bearing on its mandate to help ensure energy security, national stability, and the overall welfare of the Filipino people. Federation of Philippine Industries Chairman Elizabeth Lee said the government's decision to declare an energy emergency was timely and necessary, especially for manufacturers whose pressure was “multi-layered” — hitting energy, transport, imported input materials and production timelines. WITH REPORTS FROM IZEL ABANILLA, CHYNNA ONG, PNA

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