By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos | Philippine News Agency
Malacañang said Friday no energy lockdown is seen for now as the government continues to secure alternative fuel sources amid the ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
In a press briefing, Palace Press Office Claire Castro assured the public that the government is working to prevent a worst-case scenario, such as an energy lockdown.
“Sa ngayon po, as we speak, wala po tayo nakikita[ng energy lockdown],” Castro said.
“Sa ngayon, ito po talaga yung pinaghahandaan ng Pangulo, pinaghahandaan ng administration. Kaya ayaw po nating mapunta doon sa worst-case scenario,” she added, citing coordinated efforts among concerned agencies to secure the country’s fuel supply.
Castro said the government is preparing for possible disruptions in global oil supply while hoping for a peaceful resolution of the conflict.
She said the government is in talks with India, Argentina, Canada, and other countries that do not rely on the Middle East for their petroleum products to ensure the Philippines’ steady fuel supply.
“Magdasal tayo na magkaroon na ng agreement sa lahat, magkaroon ng pagkakasundo. Kapag hindi po kasi agad nagkasundo at hindi natapos itong sigalot sa Middle East, malaki po talaga itong magiging epekto,” Castro said.
Citing Energy Secretary Sharon Garin’s statement, Castro said the government is working to boost power supply through various sources, including coal, renewable energy, and Malampaya-generated power.
“We are assisting renewable energy developers to complete their projects ahead of schedule. Around 500 megawatts na done na, according to Secretary Garin,” she said, adding that they are working on another 500 MW.
Castro added that the government is planning to procure diesel for the National Power Corporation to ensure a stable power supply in off-grid areas.
“Hopefully, it will be cheaper but lower grade oil para iwasan ang blackout sa mga isla,” she said.
She also urged solar companies to fulfill their commitments to help stabilize the country’s power supply.
PBBM presence in aid distribution needed
Meanwhile, Castro said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. does not support the use of his image in aid distribution materials, following concerns raised over possible violations of the anti-“epal” provision in the General Appropriations Act.
She said the President ordered the immediate removal of a tarpaulin bearing his image during a cash assistance distribution.
Castro noted that while there are criticisms of whether Marcos is visible enough or overly visible, he does not want to be associated with self-promotion.
“Hindi po siya exempted, pero tandaan po natin na dapat din po malaman ng taumbayan, bilang Presidente, na ito ang kanyang proyekto para malaman ng taumbayan, assurance na ang Pangulo ay nandito para sa ating lahat,” she said.
