Marcos Orders Energy Cutbacks Across Government Amid Oil Crisis

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed all government offices to immediately scale down electricity and fuel consumption as the country faces mounting pressure from rising global oil prices. The order, enforced through Memorandum Circular 114, applies to all agencies, including government-owned and controlled corporations, and is now being strictly monitored nationwide.

Executive Secretary Ralph Recto said the directive is meant to set the tone for responsible energy use across sectors. “The policy underscores the President’s message that public officials must set the example, demonstrating restraint and accountability as the nation weathers the energy crisis,” he said.

Government offices have begun implementing conservation measures, including limiting air-conditioning use, reducing lighting, and restricting the use of official vehicles. Only units involved in essential services such as health and public safety are exempted. Inspections are already underway, with over 1,000 offices checked in the first week alone to ensure compliance.

The administration has also rolled out a four-day workweek in selected executive offices and trimmed down activities related to international events, including preparations for upcoming ASEAN meetings, to further reduce energy consumption.

Amid these efforts, the Department of Energy (DOE) reported an improvement in the country’s fuel reserves. Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said supply has been extended to nearly 51 days as of late March, up from around 45 days earlier.

“We added six more days despite the fact that we still consume, so we consume and then we add,” Garin said. “What this tells us is clear: we have a supply.”

The increase comes as the government ramps up fuel imports from multiple sources, including Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, India, and Oman, with deliveries scheduled throughout April. State-run firms have already secured over one million barrels of diesel, with more shipments on the way.

Despite the improved buffer, authorities continue to push for conservation as uncertainty in the Middle East persists. “It is more for us to be extra careful because we don’t know where the war is going. Will it last long? Will the war calm down, or will it escalate? So, as a country, this is our major appeal to our fellow Filipinos – that we support each other,” Garin said.

Officials emphasized that while supply remains stable for now, reducing consumption is critical to ensuring long-term energy security as global conditions remain unpredictable.