Palace: No ‘energy lockdown’ starting April 20

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang dismissed as “fake news” reports of an “energy lockdown” supposedly taking effect on April 20.

“Fake news ito (That is fake news),” Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said on Friday, April 3. 

The clarification came after a viral social media post urged Filipinos to stock power banks, solar equipment, flashlights, candles, food, medicine and water for the alleged lockdown. The post also encouraged users to share the information.

The Palace stressed that no lockdown is planned while the government continues to secure alternative fuel sources amid tensions in the Middle East.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared a one-year state of national energy emergency to address possible supply disruptions. The government will also expand its fuel subsidy program nationwide for the transport sector starting April 6.

Meanwhile, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Iran has assured the Philippines of safe and unhindered passage through the Strait of Hormuz for Philippine-flagged vessels, energy shipments, and Filipino seafarers.

The breakthrough came during an April 2 phone call between Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro and Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi.

The DFA also said Philippine vessels will not be charged a toll fee, despite earlier reports of a “tollbooth” system charging millions for oil tankers. Lazaro called Tehran’s assurance “vital for the Philippines,” saying it will protect seafarers and help secure the country’s energy supply.

The Philippines imports 98% of its crude oil from the Middle East. The strait has been effectively closed since early March, disrupting fuel supply and sending oil prices soaring. Tehran’s commitment is expected to facilitate the steady delivery of critical oil and fertilizer shipments.

The arrangement mirrors similar assurances Iran gave to non-belligerent nations, including China, Russia, India, Iraq and Pakistan. Meanwhile, US efforts to reopen the strait after military strikes in late February have yet to restore normal shipping.