MANILA – Malacañang said there is no energy lockdown expected for now as the government works to secure alternative fuel sources amid tensions in the Middle East.

In a press briefing, Palace Press Office spokesperson Claire Castro assured the public that authorities are taking steps to prevent a worst-case scenario.

“Sa ngayon po (For now), as we speak, wala po tayo nakikita (we do not see an [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 (The President and the administration are preparing for this. We do not want to reach the worst-case scenario),” she added, citing coordinated efforts among government 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. Talks are underway with India, Argentina, Canada, and other countries not reliant on Middle Eastern petroleum to ensure steady fuel supply for the Philippines.

“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 (Let us pray that an agreement would be reached. If the conflict in the Middle East is not resolved immediately, it will have a significant impact),” Castro said.

Citing Energy Secretary Sharon Garin, Castro said the government is boosting power supply through coal, renewable energy, and Malampaya-generated power. “We are assisting renewable energy developers to complete their projects ahead of schedule. Around 500 MW (megawatts) na done na (are already completed), according to Secretary Garin,” she said, adding that another 500 MW is in the works.

The Palace also said the government plans to procure diesel for the National Power Corp. to ensure stable electricity in off-grid areas. “Hopefully, it will be cheaper but lower grade oil para iwasan ang blackout sa mga isla (to prevent blackouts in the islands),” Castro said, urging solar companies to fulfill their commitments to stabilize power supply.

On aid distribution, Castro clarified that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. does not support the use of his image on materials, following concerns over possible violations of the anti-“epal” provision in the General Appropriations Act. The President ordered the immediate removal of a tarpaulin showing his image during a cash assistance distribution.

“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 (He is not exempted, but the public should also be informed that these are government projects so they are assured that the President is working for us all),” Castro said.