Malacañang on Friday said that there is currently no need to implement an energy lockdown in the country, despite worries over fuel supply caused by escalating tensions in the Middle East.

During a press conference, Palace Press Officer Usec. Claire Castro said the administration is preparing for the worst-case scenario that the country’s energy crisis could lead to.

“Sa ngayon, ito po talaga ang pinaghahandaan ng pangulo, ng administrasyon, kaya ayaw po nating mapunta doon sa worst-case scenario,” Castro said.

She added that the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) are actively engaging with various countries to diversify fuel sources and maintain an uninterrupted oil supply.

According to Castro, the Philippines is exploring partnerships with countries such as India, Argentina, and Canada—nations that are not heavily dependent on Middle Eastern oil and can potentially supply petroleum to the country.

“Sa pagtutulungan po ng lahat ng ahensya ng gobyerno, especially ng Department of Energy at Department of Foreign Affairs, naghahanap po talaga tayo ng sources para po yung supply ay hindi mahinto at magtuloy-tuloy para sa ating mga kababayan,” saad ni Castro.

“Sa ngayon po, as we speak, wala po tayo nakikita [energy lockdown],” she added.

Her remarks came after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier declared a state of national energy emergency, citing escalating tensions in the Middle East that could threaten the country’s energy security.

The declaration, which will remain in effect for one year unless lifted earlier, aims to strengthen oil supply measures amid rising global fuel prices and ongoing geopolitical instability.