^{Photo credit: PCO}

Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed all national government offices to implement energy conservation measures and urged the public to follow suit, as escalating tensions in the Middle East raise concerns over global oil prices and supply stability.

Speaking at a Palace press conference on Tuesday, Marcos said the directive is part of the government’s preparatory steps to cushion the Philippines from potential spillovers of the conflict, particularly on fuel costs and inflation.

“We have given instruction to all government offices to find ways to save on energy,” President Marcos said. He also appealed to the general public, calling on households and businesses to reduce consumption.

“Panawagan ko na rin ito sa taong-bayan. Maghanap tayo ng paraan upang mabawasan ang ating paggamit ng lahat ng mga sources of energy natin,” President Marcos added. (“I am also making this appeal to the public. Let us find ways to reduce our use of all our energy sources.”)

The President said the government remains hopeful that the geopolitical tensions will not drag on, but acknowledged the need for contingency measures should the conflict persist.

“I hope and pray that our people will remain safe and that we will be able to weather this very difficult storm that has become global in scope,” the Chief Executive said.

“Kaya marami tayong hinahanda kung ang ating panalangin ay hindi mapagbigyan at talagang patuloy pa rin ang labanan. Marami naman tayong mga interventions,” President Marcos said. (“That is why we are preparing many measures in case our prayers are not answered and the fighting continues. We have many interventions in place.”)

 Marcos said the government has ensured sufficient domestic supply of oil and basic goods, even as it prepares mitigating steps against price shocks.

“Kagaya ng sabi ko, sapat naman ang supply natin. Ngunit baka sakali, ito ay kinakailanganin nating gawin ito upang mabawasan nga ang pagbayad dahil tataas nga ang presyo. At hindi lamang sana sa government offices but we have issued a directive to all the government offices to find ways to save energy in every ways,” the President said. (“As I said, our supply is sufficient. But just in case, we may need to do this to reduce payments because prices will rise. And not only in government offices—we have issued a directive to all government offices to find ways to save energy in every way.”)

President Marcos also encouraged more efficient transport practices to temper fuel demand, including carpooling and increased use of public transportation.

“We encourage the use of public transport, you know, private vehicles. Punuin naman ninyo ‘yung sasakyan ninyo. Huwag ‘yung iisang tao lang ang gumagamit,” the President urged. (“We encourage the use of public transport and, for private vehicles, fill them up. Don’t have only one person using the vehicle.”)

The government is expected to release further guidelines, along with public service announcements detailing practical conservation steps for households and enterprises.

Global tensions began in late February 2026, when U.S. and Israeli forces carried out strikes targeting Iranian positions, escalating long-standing regional hostilities. Iran responded with missile and drone attacks, while allied groups, including Hezbollah, engaged in cross-border exchanges. The conflict has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for about 20% of global oil exports, prompting spikes in international crude prices and raising concerns over potential supply and cost impacts worldwide.

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