MANILA — Malacañang dismissed circulating claims of an impending “energy lockdown” set for April 20, calling them false.

“Fake news ito (That is fake news),” Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a text message to reporters.

Castro issued the statement in response to a viral social media post urging the public to prepare supplies such as power banks, solar equipment, rechargeable fans, flashlights, candles, food, medicine, and water in anticipation of a supposed energy lockdown. The post also encouraged users to share the information widely.

Malacañang earlier said no energy lockdown is being considered, as the government continues to secure alternative fuel sources amid tensions in the Middle East.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared a one-year state of national energy emergency to address possible fuel supply disruptions and stabilize the country’s energy sector.

The government is also set to expand its fuel subsidy program for the transport sector nationwide starting April 6 to mitigate the impact of rising oil prices.

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

The DFA said the assurance was conveyed during a phone call between Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro and Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Thursday.

It added that the development is crucial in ensuring both the safety of Filipino seafarers in the region and the country’s energy security.