Imee Marcos Urges Action as Oil Supply Concerns Rise
IMEE MARCOS – The senator has expressed serious concern over the country’s current petroleum supply and the government’s response following the declaration of a state of national energy emergency.
While the administration has acknowledged that the situation is no longer normal, she questioned what concrete actions citizens can expect, stressing the need for transparency and clarity about the actual supply levels of oil, gasoline, and LPG. She urged the government to bring together importers, refineries, and gas station operators and publicly disclose the real status so that the problem can be addressed collectively.
Marcos also stressed the importance of proactive negotiations with neighboring countries and major oil producers. She noted that Brunei has already sent fuel to Davao and questioned whether the Philippine government had coordinated with countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia, China, India, and Russia. She emphasized that relying solely on aid for the people is not a sustainable solution and that the government should actively pursue import agreements with ASEAN neighbors such as Malaysia, Brunei, Vietnam, and Thailand to secure crude supplies.
“Kanino ba tayo nakikipag-usap? Nakisuyo na ba tayo sa Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia pati sa China, India at Russia? Meron ba talagang plano ang pamahalaan o puro ayuda na lang ang ibibigay nila sa tao?” aniya.
The senator pointed out that other countries in the region have implemented immediate measures to manage energy shortages. Myanmar, for example, has introduced fuel rationing, odd-even schemes for private vehicles, and expanded work-from-home programs. Vietnam reinstated its Oil Price Stabilization Fund, while Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia have applied price caps and subsidies to ease the burden on citizens.
Marcos stressed that Philippine agencies, including the Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC), must be held accountable and mobilized to implement broad, effective solutions. She warned against delays that would prolong the hardships faced by ordinary Filipinos and urged swift, decisive action to address the energy crisis.