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Oxfam Pilipinas’ reaction to the state of national energy emergency declaration

March 27, 2026
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Poster of reaction to the state of national energy emergency declaration 25 March 2026 Oxfam Pilipinas’ reaction on the state of national energy emergency declaration 25 March 2026 On 24 March 2026, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared a state of national energy emergency in response to the surging oil prices brought about by the US-Israel war on Iran, and impacting prices of fuel, food, and electricity. This is causing further hardship for Filipinos already struggling to meet basic needs. Oxfam Pilipinas’ Executive Director Maria Rosario “Lot” Felizco said: “Oxfam Pilipinas believes that while the executive order provides a mandate to respond to the disruptions in the global energy supply and its impacts on the domestic economy, the government must think of long-term solutions to transition away from fossil fuel dependence and accelerate the renewable energy (RE) transition. “The Philippine government must also address the concerns arising from our import-dependent, privately-owned oil sources, where consumers bear the brunt of pass-through costs brought about by price volatility. Moreover, the current crisis highlights the need to maximize the potential of indigenous RE sources and to modernize the grid as a priority solution. “We are facing a polycrisis of increased inequality, climate impacts, and an energy crisis. The national energy emergency must address these crises by ensuring that energy solutions are 1.5°C aligned and provide safeguards for Filipinos now and in the future. “There must also be an immediate, unconditional ceasefire and an end to the war. This latest brutal war in the Middle East is having catastrophic impacts on people across the region, including Palestinians in Gaza. As the region stands at a perilous moment, Oxfam calls on all parties to the conflict to immediately end the violence.” For more info, visit oxfam.org.ph.

On 24 March 2026, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared a state of national energy emergency in response to surging oil prices brought about by the US-Israel war on Iran, and impacting prices of fuel, food, and electricity.  This is causing further hardship for Filipinos already struggling to meet basic needs. 

Oxfam Pilipinas’ Executive Director Maria Rosario “Lot” Felizco said: 

“Oxfam Pilipinas believes that while the executive order provides a mandate to respond to the disruptions in the global energy supply and its impacts on the domestic economy, the government must think of long-term solutions to transition away from fossil fuel dependence and accelerate the renewable energy (RE) transition.  

“The Philippine government must also address the concerns arising from our import-dependent, privately-owned oil sources, where consumers bear the brunt of pass-through costs brought about by price volatility. Moreover, the current crisis highlights the need to maximize the potential of indigenous RE sources and to modernize the grid as a priority solution.  

“We are facing a polycrisis of increased inequality, climate impacts, and an energy crisis. The national energy emergency must address these crises by ensuring that energy solutions are 1.5°C aligned and provide safeguards for Filipinos now and in the future. 

“There must also be an immediate, unconditional ceasefire and an end to the war. This latest brutal war in the Middle East is having catastrophic impacts on people across the region, including Palestinians in Gaza. As the region stands at a perilous moment, Oxfam calls on all parties to the conflict to immediately end the violence.” ###

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