The government is exploring alternative power sources, including expanding renewable energy, to address challenges stemming from the Middle East conflict, as President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reaffirmed the country’s commitment to clean energy expansion, Malacañang said Monday.
During a Palace press briefing, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the government has already been discussing strategies, especially after the war in the Middle East started.
“Matagal na po itong pinag-uusapan, lalo na po noong nangyari itong sigalot sa Middle East. At sinasabi nga rin po ni (Department of Energy) Secretary Sharon Garin na dapat nating palawakin, palakasin ang renewable energy – isa po ito sa talagang tinutukan po ng gobyerno,” Castro said when asked about alternatives the administration is working on as a long-term plan.
On the other hand, Castro said the government has not yet discussed using nuclear energy as an alternative power source.
“Wala pa pong napag-uusapan patungkol po doon,” Castro said.
On March 24, President Marcos signed Executive Order 110 declaring a state of national energy emergency in light of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the resulting concerns about the availability and stability of the country’s energy supply.
Under Executive Order 110, President Marcos cited ongoing tensions in the Middle East as a key factor threatening global oil production and transportation, potentially affecting the Philippines, a net importer of petroleum products.