Bayanihan 3: Power of the People Act
Filed on April 6, 2026, and referred to the Committees on Finance, Energy, and Ways and Means; it has been pending in the committee since May 4, 2026, with no recorded action since then.
The bill addresses a national emergency affecting energy security and economic stability.
The bill responds to an ongoing national emergency due to the global oil crisis.
Bayanihan 3: Power of the People Act
The Bayanihan 3: Power of the People Act aims to address the national emergency caused by the 2026 Global Oil Crisis by granting the President emergency powers to stabilize energy supply, ensure food security, and promote economic resilience.
Compared with current law:
The government has limited powers to intervene in the energy market.
The President can directly regulate the oil industry and implement price controls during the emergency.
Current fuel prices are determined by market forces.
The government can impose temporary price controls to stabilize fuel prices.
Financial assistance for farmers and fisherfolk is limited and not guaranteed.
A minimum of ₱5,000 to a maximum of ₱10,000 monthly subsidy for affected transport and agricultural sectors.
The Bayanihan 3 Act aims to address the national emergency caused by the 2026 Global Oil Crisis by ensuring energy security, food stability, and economic resilience through emergency powers granted to the President.
Source · full text✦ Dashed tags are AI-suggested nuance; solid tags follow the committee taxonomy.
Stalled: the bill has sat in committee for over four months with no action since its referral on May 4, 2026.
No floor deliberations yet — this measure has not reached plenary. Its committee-stage actions appear under Legislative history above.
Senate Office of the secretary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) First Regular Session APR -6 A9:22 SENATE RECEIVED BY: 2020 S. No. — Introduced by Senator Loren Legarda AN ACT RECOGNIZING THE EXISTENCE OF A NATIONAL EMERGENCY ARISING FROM THE 2026 GLOBAL OIL CRISIS AND ADOPTING A NATIONAL POLICY FOR A WHOLE-OF-GOVERNMENT RESPONSE TO ENSURE ENERGY SECURITY, FOOD STABILITY, AND ECONOMIC RESILIENCE, AND AUTHORIZING THE PRESIDENT, FOR A LIMITED PERIOD AND SUBJECT TO RESTRICTIONS, TO EXERCISE NECESSARY AND PROPER EMERGENCY POWERS, AND PROVIDING FOR CERTAIN MEASURES AND INSTITUTIONAL MECHANISMS THAT SHALL CONTINUE BEYOND THE EMERGENCY, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES EXPLANATORY NOTE The dawn of 2026 has been defined by a sharp escalation of geopolitical hostilities in West Asia and the Middle East, particularly involving military strikes and counter-strikes in the Persian Gulf. As of March 2026, the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz—a maritime chokepoint responsible for approximately 20% of the world's petroleum and liquefied natural gas (LNG) transit-has fundamentally destabilized the global energy landscape. These localized conflicts have transcended regional borders, transforming into a global security threat that targets critical energy infrastructure and international shipping lanes.' 'U.S. Energy Information Administration. (2023, December 4). World oil transit chokepoints. https://www.eia.gov/international/analysis/special-topics/World_Oil_Transit_Chokepoints
The immediate consequence of these disruptions has been a violent surge in international oil benchmarks. Dubai crude oil, which serves as the primary price setter for Asian markets, has breached the $100 per barrel mark, with recent trading spikes reaching as high as $137.82 per barrel.? For a net-importing nation like the Philippines, which relies on the Middle East for nearly 95% of its crude supply, this has triggered a "pass-through" effect characterized by unprecedented domestic fuel price hikes. Local diesel prices have climbed toward P1143 per liter, while the Philippine peso has weakened to a historic low of P60.10* against the US dollar, further inflating the cost of every imported barrel. This energy shock has catalyzed a profound socio-economic crisis across the archipelago. The surge in fuel costs has created a domino effect, driving up the expenses of logistics, transportation, and agricultural production. Consequently, the prices of basic commodities and food have reached levels that threaten the food security of millions. The burden is heaviest on the "silent casualties" of this crisis: public utility drivers whose daily take-home pay has been decimated, farmers and fisherfolk unable to afford fuel for their machinery, and minimum-wage earners whose purchasing power has eroded by an estimated 18 to 25 percent. In this context, the high cost of fuel is a direct barrier to the basic human right to an adequate standard of living. Furthermore, this crisis represents a fundamental threat to National Security and the Philippines' Strategic Autonomy. In a state of global energy paralysis, the volatility of the Persian Gulf has become a barrier for the nation's defense and emergency services. The astronomical rise in fuel costs directly undermines the operational readiness of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) by compromising their ability to conduct maritime patrols, 2 S&P Global Commodity Insights. (2026, March 13). Platts Dubai price assessment: Weekly global oil market report. https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.spglobal.com/commodityinsights/en/market-insights/ latest-news/oil ¿Calculations derived from Department of Energy. (2026, March 24). Weekly price watch: Prevailing retail prices of petroleum products. https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.doe.gov.ph/energy-resources/petroleum-price-watch * Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. (2026, March 18). Daily reference exchange rate bulletin. https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.bsp.gov.ph/statistics/external/dayref.aspx
internal security operations, and humanitarian assistance. Beyond logistics, history demonstrates that prolonged energy deprivation often serves as a catalyst for civil unrest. By granting the President emergency powers to stabilize fuel prices, the State is preemptively defending against the "weaponization of scarcity" and ensuring that critical infrastructure-from the national power grid to telecommunications-remains resilient against a fracturing global order. Under Article VI, Section 23 (2) of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, the Congress may, by law, authorize the President to exercise powers necessary and proper to carry out a declared national policy in times of war or other national emergency. While existing statutes provide general frameworks for disaster response and fiscal management, they do not sufficiently address the unique and multifaceted challenges posed by a global energy paralysis. The current crisis demands a specific delegation of authority that goes beyond the standard administrative functions of the Executive. Granting the President special emergency powers is, therefore, an essential and constitutional recourse to enable the government to bypass bureaucratic delays and implement decisive measures to mitigate the catastrophic effects of the 2026 oil supply disruptions. This bill seeks to establish a responsive and robust safeguard for our citizens by granting the President targeted emergency powers which are designed not only to address the immediate impacts of the crisis, but to do so in a precise, coordinated, and strategic manner. By providing clear mechanisms for timely intervention, the measure enables the Executive to respond decisively to evolving conditions and stabilize critical sectors affected by the crisis. At the same time, this proposal recognizes that the present disruption presents an opportunity to strengthen the country's economic and institutional resilience. Accordingly, the measure goes beyond short-term relief and introduces interventions that may serve as the foundation for longer-term reforms. Ultimately, the passage of this measure becomes a moral imperative, ensuring that the weight of a global crisis does not fall most heavily on those least equipped
to overcome it. In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought. LOREN LEGARDA
Senate Offier of the Berretary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) APR -6 A9:22 First Regular Session ) RECEIVED BY: SENATE 2020 S. No. — Introduced by Senator Loren Legarda AN ACT RECOGNIZING THE EXISTENCE OF A NATIONAL EMERGENCY ARISING FROM THE 2026 GLOBAL OIL CRISIS AND ADOPTING A NATIONAL POLICY FOR A WHOLE-OF-GOVERNMENT RESPONSE TO ENSURE ENERGY SECURITY, FOOD STABILITY, AND ECONOMIC RESILIENCE, AND AUTHORIZING THE PRESIDENT, FOR A LIMITED PERIOD AND SUBJECT TO RESTRICTIONS, TO EXERCISE NECESSARY AND PROPER EMERGENCY POWERS, AND PROVIDING FOR CERTAIN MEASURES AND INSTITUTIONAL MECHANISMS THAT SHALL CONTINUE BEYOND THE EMERGENCY, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines 2 in Congress assembled
Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known and cited as "Bayanihan 3:
4 Power to the People Act."
Sec. 2. State of National Emergency. - Executive Order 110, s. 2026, issued
6 on 24th of March 2026, declared a State of National Energy Emergency throughout 7 the Philippines due to the 2026 Global Oil Crisis, characterized by the catastrophic 8 volatility of crude oil prices and the severe disruption of international energy supply 9 chains. In view of the country's vulnerability to fuel supply disruptions, escalating fuel 11 price shocks, and the grave risks these pose to food security, transport stability,
1 industrial operations, and the economic welfare of the Filipino people, the existence 2 of a national emergency is hereby recognized and affirmed.
Sec. 3. Declaration of Policy. - The 2026 Global Oil Crisis has greatly affected
4 nations worldwide, including the Philippines, causing an unprecedented spike in the 5 inflation of basic commodities and a disruption to the transport sector. It is hereby 6 declared the policy of the State to: 7 (a) Mitigate the socio-economic impact of soaring fuel and energy prices; 8 (b) Immediately mobilize financial assistance and subsidies to the transport, agricultural, and fisheries sectors to prevent a collapse of the food supply chain; (c) Undertake measures to ensure the continuous supply of petroleum products for critical infrastructure, healthcare facilities, and emergency services; (d) Implement aggressive energy conservation and efficiency measures to immediately reduce fuel consumption and manage demand during the period of the national emergency; (e) Urgently accelerate and enable a just, inclusive, and strategic transition toward alternative, indigenous, and renewable energy sources, with the end in view of reducing the country's structural dependence on imported fossil fuels, particularly crude oil, and strengthening national energy sovereignty; (f) Leverage the present energy crisis as a critical inflection point to transform the Philippine energy system by rapidly deploying clean, decentralized, and resilient energy solutions, fostering innovation, and catalyzing public and private investments toward a sustainable and secure energy future; (g) Undertake a program for economic recovery and price stabilization, including the provision of safety nets to all affected sectors; (h) Ensure that there is sufficient, adequate, and readily available funding to undertake the foregoing through the realignment of the national budget;
(i) Partner with and mobilize the private energy sector, transport and logistics providers, financial institutions, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to support the stabilization of supply chains, ensure the continuous and efficient delivery of essential goods and services, contribute to price stability, and accelerate investments in energy efficiency and sustainable and resilient systems, consistent with the public interest; (i) Recognize that the success of the measures under this Act depends not only on government action but also on the active cooperation of the general public, and accordingly promote responsible and sustainable choices in energy use, consumption patterns, and mobility in order to support national efforts toward resilience, efficiency, and long-term economic stability during and beyond the national emergency; and (k) Promote and protect the collective interests of all Filipinos in these challenging times. To this end, the State shall adopt a whole-of-government and 16 whole-of-society response that prioritizes energy security, food security, transport 17 continuity, social protection, lawful expenditure controls, and public reporting.
Sec. 4. Institutionalization of the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry,
19 Food, Transport, Energy, and Defense (UPLIFTED). - To safeguard national interest 20 by ensuring the stability of domestic energy supply, the protection of national 21 sovereignty, the uninterrupted delivery of essential services, the continuity of 22 economic activity, and the welfare of all citizens, particularly vulnerable sectors, the 23 Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, Transport, Energy, and Defense 24 (UPLIFTED) as adopted from Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and 25 Transport (UPLIFT) under Executive Order No. 110, s. 2026, is hereby 26 institutionalized as the government's consolidated, whole-of-government response 27 framework. For this purpose, the UPLIFTED Committee is hereby convened to oversee 29 and coordinate the implementation of the UPLIFTED framework. The Committee
1 shall be composed of the following: (a) President of the Philippines as the Chairperson (b) Members: (i) Executive Secretary (ii) Secretary, Department of Energy (DOE) iii) Secretary, Department of National Defense (DND) (iv) Secretary, Department of Transportation (DOTr) (v) Secretary, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) (vi) Secretary, Department of Agriculture (DA) (vii) Secretary, Department of Finance (DOF) (viii) Secretary, Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) (ix) Secretary, Department of Budget and Management (DBM) (x) Secretary, Department of Health (DOH) (xi) Secretary, Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) (xii) Administrator, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) (xiii) Administrator, Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Pursuant to EO 110, s. 2026, the DEPDev shall serve as the Secretariat of the 21 Committee and provide the necessary technical and administrative support. The 22 Committee shall ensure the integration of energy supply management and national 23 security protocols to be implemented by the DOE and DND, respectively, alongside 24 complementary socio-economic support measures.
The UPLIFTED Committee shall establish a Private Sector Advisory Group to 2 support the planning and implementation of measures under this Act, composed of 3 representatives from key sectors, including energy producers and distributors, 4 transport and logistics providers, agricultural and food supply stakeholders, financial 5 institutions, healthcare providers, and recognized business and industry associations, 6 as may be designated by the Committee. Such Advisory Group shall provide inputs, 7 data, and recommendations, and may be convened regularly or as needed to 8 support policy design, supply chain coordination, price monitoring, and 9 implementation planning; Provided, That participation of private sector 10 representatives shall be in an advisory capacity only and shall not involve 11 decision-making authority in the exercise of governmental powers; Provided, further, 12 That the Committee may require the submission of relevant data, operational 13 insights, and sectoral assessments from such stakeholders, subject to appropriate 14 confidentiality safeguards; Provided, finally, That the participation, inputs, and 15 recommendations of the Advisory Group shall be documented and may be reported 16 to Congress to ensure transparency and accountability.
Sec. 5. Emergency Authorized Powers. - Pursuant to Article VI, Section 23(2)
18 of the Constitution, and for the limited duration of this Act, the President is hereby 19 authorized, through the appropriate implementing agencies, to immediately 20 undertake the following temporary, targeted, and executory emergency measures 21 necessary to stabilize energy supply, prices, and essential services and to mitigate 22 the immediate socio-economic effects of the national emergency. I. ENERGY MARKET STABILIZATION AND SUPPLY SECURITY (a) Emergency Energy Market Regulation and Supply Assurance. — Direct the DOE, in coordination with the DOF, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTT), and the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC), during the period of the national emergency and when necessary to address actual or imminent supply disruption, market failure, or price instability, to regulate, direct, and manage the oil industry, and to implement temporary and targeted energy supply management measures, including the imposition of temporary price
controls, the rationalization of distribution margins, the mandatory reallocation of energy supply, and the enforcement of minimum strategic fuel and energy resource stockpiles, as may be necessary to prevent market failure and ensure the continuous and uninterrupted supply of power and fuel. For this purpose, consistent with Section 14(e) of Republic Act No. 8479, and notwithstanding the policy of deregulation, the President may direct the DOE, in coordination with the Department of Justice (DOJ) and relevant regulatory agencies, upon determination that public interest so requires during the national emergency, to temporarily direct, control, or assume, whether partially or fully, the operations of any person or entity engaged in the importation, refining, storage, distribution, or sale of petroleum products, including related logistics and supply chain facilities, in order to ensure adequate supply, equitable distribution, and price stability. Such authority may include the direction of production levels, prioritization of supply to critical sectors, management of inventories, and the coordination or utilization of privately owned public utility or business affected with public interest: Provided, That such intervention shall be exercised only when necessary to address actual or imminent supply disruption, market failure, or price instability; Provided, further, That the exercise of such authority shall be temporary, proportionate, and limited to the duration and scope of the emergency; Provided, furthermore, That affected entities shall be entitled to just compensation and due process in accordance with the Constitution and existing laws; and Provided, finally, That all actions taken under this authority shall be subject to appropriate oversight and reporting requirements under this Act. (b) Fuel Tax Relief and Price Stabilization Measures. - Direct the DOF, in coordination with the DOE, to immediately implement temporary and targeted fiscal relief measures on petroleum products for the duration of the national emergency, including: (i) the suspension, reduction, or deferment of excise taxes on regular gasoline, unleaded premium gasoline, diesel fuel oil, kerosene, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), consistent with the flexibilities
provided under existing laws; and ii) notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, the temporary suspension, reduction, or application of a zero-rate on the Value-Added Tax (VAT) on the sale and importation of petroleum products, or on clearly defined components thereof, as may be necessary to stabilize domestic prices: Provided, That such measures shall be time-bound, targeted, and calibrated based on prevailing international oil prices, inflation levels, and domestic supply conditions, as determined by the DOF in coordination with the DOE; Provided, further, That all tax relief measures implemented under this subsection shall be fully and immediately reflected in the retail prices of petroleum products; Provided, furthermore, That the DOF shall, within seven (7) days from the implementation of any tax relief measure under this subsection, submit to the President and the appropriate committees of both Houses of Congress a report stating the basis, scope, fiscal impact, and expected consumer price effect of such measure; and Provided, finally, That the DOE, in coordination with the DOF and other relevant agencies, shall monitor compliance with the requirement that such relief be fully and immediately reflected in retail prices. (c) Energy Market Monitoring, Transparency, and Data Systems. - Direct the DOE, the exercise of its monitoring functions over the oil industry, require all industry participants to submit complete, accurate, and timely data on their petroleum transactions, including volumes of importation, purchase, sale, committed volumes, withdrawals, releases, and inventory, as well as contract prices, acquisition costs, and selling prices, whether domestic or international, under such confidentiality safeguards as may be prescribed by the DOE. Such information shall also be used for the detection of predatory pricing, cartelization, or anti-competitive conduct, consistent with Section 11 of Republic Act No. 8479. The DOE shall likewise establish and operationalize a National Energy Real-Time Monitoring System (NERTMS), or such equivalent or complementary system or systems, to track fuel supply movements, inventory levels, international acquisition costs, domestic purchase prices, and other
relevant market data necessary for monitoring, analysis, and enforcement: Provided, That the DOE shall ensure the development of transparent and appropriately limited real-time public access mechanisms, including dashboards or similar platforms, to make available key aggregated and non-sensitive information on supply conditions, price movements, and system status; Provided, further, That such public disclosure shall be subject to reasonable safeguards to protect commercially sensitive data, national security considerations, and data privacy requirements under existing laws, rules, and regulations; Provided, furthermore, That any failure to submit complete, accurate, and timely data, or any submission of false or misleading information, shall be subject to administrative sanctions and other penalties under this Act and existing laws; and Provided, finally, That the DOE shall submit periodic reports to the President and the appropriate committees of both Houses of Congress on compliance, supply conditions, and enforcement actions taken under this subsection. (d) Electricity Bill Review and Consumer Protection Measures. - The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), in coordination with the DOE, shall immediately review all line items, charges, rates, subsidies, pass-through amounts, taxes, adjustments, and other components of electricity bills imposed by generation companies, transmission entities, distribution utilities, electric cooperatives, retail electricity suppliers, and other regulated entities, for the purpose of determining and enforcing temporary consumer relief measures consistent with law and system reliability. For this purpose, the ERC is hereby authorized and directed to order or approve the suspension, deferment, staggering, installment payment, smoothing, restructuring, or phased collection of the whole electricity bill or any component thereof, and to impose interim or secondary price caps or similar protective mechanisms as allowed by law: Provided, That any deferred, suspended, staggered, or restructured amount shall not be subject to interest, penalties, surcharges, financing charges, or similar impositions, unless expressly authorized by the ERC; Provided, further, That no regulated
entity shall recover such amounts through hidden adjustments, reclassification of charges, embedded recoveries, or any other circumvention mechanism not expressly approved by the ERC; Provided, furthermore, That any authorized recovery shall be separately itemized, transparent, time-bound, and implemented only in the least burdensome manner to consumers; Provided, furthermore, That no consumer shall be disconnected solely on account of nonpayment of any amount validly deferred, suspended, staggered, or placed under an ERC-approved installment arrangement under this Section; and Provided, finally, That the ERC shall, within fifteen (15) days from the effectivity of this Act, issue the necessary rules, orders, or directives to implement this subsection and require all affected regulated entities to comply therewith. The ERC, in coordination with the DOE, DOF, and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), shall likewise review the proper application of VAT on each line item of the electricity bill and identify charges which, being purely pass-through and not redounding to the benefit of the seller, may be excluded from the VAT base in accordance with law. Within thirty (30) days from the effectivity of this Act, the ERC shall submit to the President, the appropriate committees of both Houses of Congress, and the relevant agencies a report containing its findings, legal basis, and recommendations for administrative or legislative action. (e) Emergency Procurement for Strategic Petroleum Reserve and Energy Systems. — Direct the DOE and the appropriate agencies, as the need arises and in the most expeditious manner, to undertake the procurement of goods, services, and infrastructure necessary to ensure energy security, resilience, and the rapid deployment of alternative energy solutions, through the emergency procurement modalities and other applicable mechanisms under Republic Act No. 12009, or the "New Government Procurement Act," and its implementing rules and regulations, subject to existing auditing and accountability rules. Such procurement may include, but shall not be limited to:
(i) petroleum products and related storage and logistics support necessary for the establishment and maintenance of a strategic petroleum buffer stock; (ii) energy-saving equipment, renewable energy systems, and solar-powered or off-grid energy solutions for deployment in public facilities and underserved areas where immediate fuel substitution or continuity of operations is necessary; (iii) logistics, transport, and storage services for the stockpiling and distribution of fuel and essential energy supplies; and (iv) modular, mobile, or rapidly deployable energy systems and infrastructure to support emergency operations, critical services, and remote or underserved communities. Provided, That such procurement shall be limited to what is necessary to address actual or imminent supply disruption, ensure continuity of critical services, or reduce immediate fuel dependence during the national emergency; Provided, further, That the procuring entity shall publish, within seven (7) working days from the date of award or acceptance, the project name, approved budget for the contract, contract period, name of the winning supplier, distributor, manufacturer, contractor, or consultant, amount of contract as awarded, notice of award, date of award and acceptance, contract or purchase order, and a certification that it exerted all efforts to secure the most advantageous price to the government based on existing price data or market scanning; Provided, furthermore, That all emergency procurements undertaken pursuant to this Act shall be made publicly available online in a timely and accessible manner, including key procurement details and supporting documents, to ensure transparency and public accountability; and Provided, finally, That all procurement undertaken under this subsection shall remain subject to transparency, audit, and oversight requirements under this Act and existing laws.
1 II. ENERGY TRANSITION AND DEMAND REDUCTION 2 (a) Mandatory Energy Conservation and Efficiency Measures. - Direct the DOE, during the period of the national emergency, to issue the necessary orders, rules, and guidelines to direct the appropriate agencies to conserve and regulate the distribution and use of power, fuel, and energy, including the mandatory reduction of non-essential public lighting and the regulation of air-conditioning temperatures in government buildings. The ERC, in coordination with the transmission utility, distribution utilities, and electric cooperatives, shall issue and encourage the private sector to use demand-side management strategies to reduce electricity consumption, manage peak demand, and promote energy efficiency during the national emergency. (b) Alternative Work Arrangements to Reduce Fuel Demand. - The President may, during the period of the national emergency, implement alternative working arrangements, such as work-from-home arrangements, telecommuting, and compressed workweeks, for employees in the Executive Branch and, where feasible and consistent with applicable laws, rules, and regulations, through the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), to encourage the adoption of similar arrangements in the private sector, in order to reduce the national demand for transport fuel. (c) Digital Government Processes to Reduce Travel Demand. - Direct the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), in coordination with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and all Local Government Units (LGUs), to immediately adopt and implement simplified electronic, digital, or remote service delivery mechanisms for essential public transactions, including permits, licenses, clearances, payments, and similar services, for the duration of the national emergency, in order to minimize physical travel, reduce fuel consumption, and ensure continuity of government services. For this purpose, LGUs shall prioritize high-volume and essential services and may utilize existing platforms, interim digital solutions, or alternative low-technology or offline-access mechanisms
where connectivity is limited: Provided, That implementation shall be undertaken using available resources and existing systems to ensure rapid deployment; Provided, further, That data privacy, cybersecurity, and accessibility standards shall be observed in accordance with existing laws, rules, and regulations. (d) Deployment of Distributed Energy Systems in Public Infrastructure. - Direct the DOE, in coordination with relevant agencies, to undertake the rapid assessment, installation, and deployment of distributed, on-site, or modular energy systems in national government buildings, public schools, state universities and colleges (SUCs), public hospitals, barangay halls, municipal buildings, and other public facilities, in order to reduce fuel consumption and ensure continuity of operations during the national emergency. Such systems may include, but shall not be limited to, solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, whether rooftop or ground-mounted, battery energy storage systems, and other appropriate renewable or energy-efficient technologies capable of rapid deployment under emergency conditions. The DOE shall set measurable targets for distributed energy deployment and demand reduction in government facilities, including an aggregate capacity target to be achieved within a period to be determined by the President, consistent with the exigencies of the emergency. (e) Temporary Regulation of Energy-Intensive Business Operations. - Direct the DOE, in coordination with the DTI, DOLE, LGUs, and other relevant agencies, during the period of the national emergency, to prescribe and implement reasonable and time-bound energy conservation measures for commercial and industrial establishments, including but not limited to: (i) the regulation or limitation of operating hours of malls, offices, and similar establishments; ii) the imposition of early closing hours where necessary; (iii) the limitation or rationalization of elevator and escalator use in buildings, except for accessibility and essential purposes; (iv) the reduction of non-essential lighting, including façade, decorative, and advertising lighting; and (v) such other demand-side management measures as may be necessary to reduce
overall energy consumption and alleviate pressure on national power and fuel supply, subject to due consideration of worker welfare, accessibility, and business continuity. (f) Load Optimization and Peak Demand Management. - Direct the DOE, in coordination with the ERC, National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), distribution utilities, and electric cooperatives, to implement optimized scheduling, load shifting, and other demand-side management strategies, including staggered operating hours for high-consumption sectors and time-of-use mechanisms where feasible, in order to reduce peak electricity demand, prevent system overload, and ensure the stability and reliability of the power grid during the national emergency. (g) Strategic Fuel Inputs Allocation and Power System Reliability Measures. - Direct the DOE, in coordination with the ERC, NGCP, generation companies, and other relevant agencies, to ensure the prioritized allocation, delivery, and utilization of coal, natural gas, and other fuel inputs necessary for the continuous and reliable operation of power generation facilities, guided by system-wide risk assessments, including the prioritization of plants supplying critical loads, operating in grid-constrained or high-risk areas, or essential to baseload and reserve capacity: Provided, That the DOE may prescribe minimum fuel inventory requirements, direct the scheduling or redirection of fuel deliveries, facilitate fuel-sharing or pooling arrangements among generation companies, and prioritize logistics, port access, and transport for energy inputs, where necessary, to prevent power shortages, stabilize electricity supply, and maintain grid reliability during the national emergency: Provided, further, That such measures shall be time-bound, targeted, and subject to appropriate monitoring, transparency, and reporting safeguards. 27 III. TRANSPORT AND MOBILITY MANAGEMENT (a) Government Fuel Use Rationalization and Fleet Restrictions. - Direct all departments, bureaus, offices, government-owned or controlled corporations, and local government units, upon determination by the DOE that national fuel
supply levels have dropped to critically low or dangerously constrained levels sufficient to threaten the continuity of essential services, to limit or suspend the use of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles for non-essential administrative functions: Provided, That vehicles used for emergency response, healthcare delivery, law enforcement, national defense, food logistics, and other critical services shall be exempt from such restriction. (b) Real-Time Publication and Digital Integration of Public Transport Routes. - Direct the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), in coordination with the DOTr, LGUs, and relevant agencies, within fifteen (15) days from the effectivity of this Act, to compile, standardize, and publish comprehensive and up-to-date route information for public utility vehicles (PUVs), including jeepneys, buses, UV Express, and other modes of public transport, and to ensure that such information is made widely accessible through digital platforms, mobile applications, online maps, and other publicly available channels: Provided, That such data shall be in open and interoperable formats to enable integration with navigation and mobility applications; Provided, further, That LGUs and transport operators shall submit accurate route, stop, and schedule information for this purpose; and Provided, finally, That the implementation of this subsection shall aim to improve commuter awareness, reduce uncertainty in public transport use, and encourage the shift from private vehicle use to more efficient and shared modes of transport in order to reduce fuel consumption during the national emergency. (c) Emergency Fleet Augmentation and Equitable Distribution Program. - Direct the DOTr, in coordination with the LTFRB, LGUs, and relevant agencies, during the period of the national emergency and as may be necessary to augment existing public transport capacity and mitigate fare increases, to procure, lease, or otherwise acquire public transport vehicles for emergency deployment: Provided, That all vehicles to be procured, leased, or deployed under this subsection shall, to the greatest extent practicable, consist of electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid vehicles, or fuel-efficient and low-emission
alternatives, in order to reduce dependence on imported fuel and advance the transition toward sustainable transport systems; Provided, further, That such vehicles shall be allocated and distributed under a fair, transparent, and needs-based system prioritizing affected drivers, operators, and transport cooperatives; Provided, furthermore, That appropriate mechanisms, including lease arrangements, cooperative-based management, or subsidized access schemes, may be adopted to ensure accountability and continuity of service during the national emergency; and Provided, finally, That the program shall aim to stabilize transport supply and prevent excessive fare increases during the national emergency 11 IV. FOOD SECURITY AND AGRICULTURE (a) Priority Logistics Lanes and Food Supply Chain Protection. - Direct the DOTr, in coordination with the DA, LGUs, the Philippine Red Cross, the private logistics sector, and other relevant stakeholders, to expand and operationalize dedicated food cargo lanes for the efficient movement of agricultural products and essential goods, including light vehicles transporting food, in order to ensure faster delivery times, reduce logistics costs, and prioritize the unhampered flow of food and essential supplies during the national emergency. For this purpose, the DOTr and other relevant agencies may adopt such traffic management and regulatory measures as may be necessary to protect the movement and distribution of food and essential items. (b) Toll Exemptions for Essential Food and Agricultural Cargo. — Direct the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB), during the period of the national emergency and subject to applicable force majeure or similar provisions in existing toll concession agreements, to immediately implement toll exemptions for vehicles transporting essential goods, including agricultural products, food items, and other critical supplies, in order to ensure the unhampered movement of goods, reduce logistics costs, and support food security: Provided, That such exemptions shall be applied in a targeted and verifiable manner consistent with guidelines to be issued by the TRB in coordination
1 with the DOTr, the DA, and other relevant agencies. 2 (c) Expanded Fuel and Financial Support for Farmers and Fisherfolk. — Fast-track and strengthen the implementation of the Fuel Assistance to Farmers Project (FAFP) for farmers and a corresponding fuel assistance program for fisherfolk under the oversight of the Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Engineering (BAFE), which shall include the immediate release of the Ten-Billion Peso (P10,000,000,000.00) Presidential Assistance for Farmers, Farmworkers and Fisherfolk (PAFF), on top of the existing Fifty-Million Peso (P50,000,000.00) Fuel Subsidy Program. Utilize the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) to provide productivity support and other appropriate assistance to rice farmers affected by the crisis: Provided, That financial assistance and related support under this subsection shall be made available on a priority basis to affected farmers and fisherfolk, subject to available funds and existing laws, rules, and regulations; Provided, further, That notwithstanding existing limitations on the use of the RCEF, and for the duration of the national emergency, the RCEF may be utilized, where necessary and appropriate, to extend productivity support and other forms of assistance to other food producers, including non-rice farmers and fisherfolk, who are adversely affected by the crisis: Provided, furthermore, That priority shall at all times be given to rice farmers, in recognition of their critical role in ensuring national food security; (d) Local Food Systems Support and Market Relief Measures. - Encourage local LGUs to temporarily reduce or suspend market fees, stall rentals, and local business taxes for food vendors, and to authorize, where feasible and consistent with existing laws, rules, and regulations, the conversion of vacant public lands into community gardens, urban farms, and temporary food markets in order to bolster local food systems during the national emergency. 28 V. SOCIAL PROTECTION AND ECONOMIC RELIEF (a) Emergency Fuel Subsidy for Transport and Agricultural Sectors. - Provide an emergency Fuel Subsidy to qualified public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers,
small-scale farmers and fisherfolk, and small agricultural transporters: Provided, That the subsidy shall amount to a minimum of Five Thousand Pesos (P5,000.00) to a maximum of Ten Thousand Pesos (P10,000.00) a month for the duration of the emergency; Provided, further, That the implementation of this subsidy shall be harmonized and coordinated with the DSWD's Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS), the Targeted Cash Transfer (TCT) program, and other existing stopgap social protection measures. (b) Handholding and Expedited Registration for Informal Sectors. - Direct the DOTr, LTFRB, DA, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), and other relevant agencies to actively facilitate the immediate registration and accreditation of unregistered PUV drivers, farmers, and fisherfolk to ensure their inclusion in the subsidy programs provided under this Act. For this purpose: (i) agencies are directed to simplify documentary requirements, ensuring that they are just, reasonable, and non-prohibitive; (ii) registration processes shall be conducted with speedy disposition, utilizing mobile registration hubs and community-based handholding initiatives in coordination with LGUs; and (iii) no unregistered stakeholder shall be barred from receiving emergency assistance, provided that such stakeholder undergoes the expedited registration process simultaneously with the availment of support. (c) Transport Sector Stabilization and Fare Support Measures. - Provide compensation or financial relief to transport cooperatives and other affected transport entities operating at a loss, and provide transport fare subsidies for commuters, in order to mitigate the impact of high fuel costs on the public during the national emergency. (d) OFW Emergency Repatriation and Assistance Program (Green Lane). -
Authorize the DMW, in coordination with the DFA, DOTr, and other relevant agencies, to establish a priority "Green Lane" and standby funding mechanism for the immediate and facilitated repatriation of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from high-risk or conflict-affected areas during the national emergency. For this purpose, the program shall include the provision of necessary assistance throughout the repatriation process, including but not limited to subsidies for emergency airfare, local transport upon arrival, temporary shelter, food, medical assistance, and other essential support services, as may be necessary to ensure the safe return and reintegration of affected OFWs: Provided, That such assistance shall be available from the point of extraction until arrival and initial settlement in the Philippines, subject to existing laws, rules, and regulations. (e) Targeted Use of GAD Funds for Crisis Assistance. - Authorize all government agencies, including LGUs and Government-Owned or Controlled Corporations (GOCCs), consistent with applicable laws, rules, and regulations on the use of Gender and Development (GAD) funds, to utilize their respective GAD budgets to provide immediate food, fuel, and transport support for solo parents, pregnant and lactating women, and single-income earners affected by the crisis. (f) Loan Payment Relief for Affected Sectors. - Direct all concerned financial institutions, in accordance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations, to implement a minimum of a thirty (30)-day grace period for the payment of loans falling due within the period of the emergency, particularly transport-related and industrial loans, without incurring interest, penalties, or similar charges. (g) Reduction or Waiver of Remittance Fees for OFWs. - Direct the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), in coordination with the DOF and other relevant agencies, to facilitate the temporary reduction or waiver of remittance fees charged by banks, remittance companies, and other financial service
providers for OFs during the national emergency, through appropriate regulatory, supervisory, or incentive-based measures. 3 (h) Regulatory Relief Through Deadline Extensions. — Move statutory deadlines and timelines for the filing of documents and the payment of taxes, fees, and other charges required by law, in order to ease the burden on individuals and businesses affected by the economic slowdown during the national emergency. 8 (i) Expanded Access to Emergency Funds (QRF Flexibility). - Notwithstanding the thirty percent (30%) allocation for the Quick Response Fund (QRF) under Republic Act No. 10121, the government is hereby authorized, for the duration of the state of national emergency, to augment the QRF through the utilization, reallocation, or release of additional amounts from the remaining balance of the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (LDRRMF) and National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (NDRRMF), as may be necessary to support measures directly responsive to the objectives of this Act: Provided, That such augmentation shall be subject to prioritization of urgent and critical interventions; Provided, further, That all expenditures shall remain subject to existing auditing, transparency, and accountability requirements under applicable laws, rules, and regulations. (j) Temporary Suspension or Reduction of Value-Added Tax (VAT) on Essential Goods and Services. — Direct the DOF, in coordination with the BIR, the DTI, and other relevant agencies, to assess and recommend, within thirty (30) days from the effectivity of this Act, the temporary suspension or reduction of the VAT on the following: (i) essential medicines and basic medical supplies, including over-the-counter medicines for common ailments and basic medical consumables such as antiseptics, bandages, gauze, medical alcohol, and thermometers; (ii) basic commodities necessary for daily subsistence and household
use, including canned or processed fish, chicken, beef and other meat products, instant and dried noodles, bread and basic bakery products, milk and basic dairy products, cooking oil, soy sauce, vinegar, fish sauce, and other basic food inputs, as well as essential household items such as laundry and dishwashing soap or detergent, toilet paper, sanitary napkins, baby and adult diapers, and similar necessities; Provided, That elective, cosmetic, aesthetic, or non-essential goods and services, as well as premium, imported, branded, or non-subsistence variants, shall remain subject to VAT; Provided, further, That the DOF, in coordination with the BIR and relevant agencies, shall define specific coverage and applicable consumption thresholds where necessary; and Provided, finally, That the DOF, in coordination with the BIR, DTI, and other relevant agencies, shall issue the necessary rules, regulations, and implementation guidelines, and submit to the President and the appropriate committees of both Houses of Congress a report detailing: (a) the final list and classification of covered goods and services; (b) the applicable rate adjustments or exemptions; (c) mechanisms to ensure that tax relief is passed on to consumers; and (d) administrative and enforcement measures to ensure compliance 22 VI. DEFENSE, SECURITY, AND CRITICAL SERVICES (a) Adoption of Cost-Efficient and Enhanced Asymmetric Defense Measures During the National Emergency. — Direct the DND, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and other relevant agencies, during the period of the national emergency, to adopt and operationalize cost-efficient, scalable, and adaptive defense measures, including the enhancement of asymmetric defense capabilities, in order to ensure the continuity of surveillance, territorial defense, and maritime domain awareness notwithstanding fuel supply constraints, including but not limited to the increased use of unmanned and remotely operated systems, distributed monitoring platforms,
1 and other technologies that reduce reliance on fuel-intensive operations. 2 VII. LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION SUPPORT (a) Reprioritization of Local Government Funds for Food and Energy Security. - Direct the DBM, in coordination with the DILG and relevant agencies, to immediately review, rationalize, and, as necessary, limit or modify the allowable menu of programs, projects, and activities (PPAs) under the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF), in order to prioritize funding for agriculture, food security, energy access, and other interventions that directly address and respond to the national emergency. For this purpose, the DBM shall, within fifteen (15) days from the effectivity of this Act, submit to the President, the appropriate committees of both Houses of Congress, and the relevant agencies a report and action plan detailing: (i) the proposed modifications or reprioritization of eligible PPAs; (ii) the implementation mechanisms for rapid fund utilization by LGUs; (iii) safeguards to ensure accountability and proper use of funds; and (iv) any additional administrative or legislative measures necessary to fully operationalize such reprioritization. Upon the cessation of the national emergency, the regular menu of LGSF programs shall be automatically restored, without prejudice to any measures that may be adopted for long-term institutionalization in accordance with existing laws, rules, and regulations. 22 VIII. FISCAL REALIGNMENT AND EXPENDITURE CONTROL (a) Reprioritization and Suspension of Non-Essential Infrastructure Expenditures. - Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, direct the appropriate agencies of the Executive Department to suspend, defer, or discontinue non-essential infrastructure projects, including but not limited to renovations, aesthetic upgrades, and projects not critical to the delivery of basic services or emergency response; and, further, to suspend the implementation of projects
that have not undergone appropriate feasibility studies or detailed engineering design, or which are not aligned with approved national development plans, investment programs, or priority project lists: Provided, That the funds appropriated for such suspended or discontinued projects shall be treated and realigned in accordance with the Constitution, the General Appropriations Act (GAA), and other applicable laws, in order to augment priority expenditures necessary to address the national emergency. 8 (b) Reallocation of Non-Essential Government Expenditures. - Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, direct the appropriate agencies of the Executive Department to discontinue appropriated non-essential programs, projects, or activities, and to utilize the savings generated therefrom, in accordance with the Constitution, the GAA, and other applicable laws, to augment priority items necessary to address the national emergency. For this purpose, agencies shall suspend spending on non-essential travel, events, meetings, capacity-building activities, capital outlays, and unnecessary renovations or aesthetic upgrades, in order to redirect funds toward essential programs: Provided, That agencies shall, where practicable, prioritize free in-house capability development and the use of existing personnel for essential training and technical support requirements in lieu of external expenditures. (c) Emergency Strategic Financing of Universal Healthcare. - Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, and in recognition of the urgent need to ensure the continuous availability and accessibility of essential health services during times of crisis, DOF, in coordination with Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) and other concerned agencies, is hereby directed to cause the augmentation, transfer, or realignment of available financing, in the amount of Sixty Billion Pesos (P60,000,000,000.00) sourced from the funds indicated in this Act. PhilHealth shall, within sixty (60) days from effectivity, expand and rationalize its case rate coverage, including the introduction and enhancement of benefit packages, to adequately cover the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the Philippines, including but not limited to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes, and chronic
respiratory conditions, in a manner that advances universal health care, ensures zero balance billing particularly for vulnerable sectors, and reduces out-of-pocket expenditures: Provided, That such measures shall be subject to expedited actuarial and cash flow analysis, sustainability safeguards, and transparent, public reporting of fund utilization and benefit delivery.
Sec. 6. Accelerated and Transitional Measures for Energy Resilience and
7 Economic Stabilization. - In addition to the emergency powers provided under the 8 preceding section, and to support recovery, resilience, and structural adjustment in 9 response to the national emergency, the measures under this Section are hereby 10 identified for mandatory priority assessment and, upon direction of the President or 11 pursuant to authority delegated under this Act, for immediate implementation where 12 the appropriate agencies determine on the basis of existing legal authority and 13 actual conditions on the ground that immediate execution is practicable and 14 necessary, subject to reporting and recommendation in accordance with Section 7 of 15 this Act: 16 I. ENERGY MARKET STABILIZATION AND SUPPLY SECURITY (a) Establishment and Maintenance of a National Strategic Petroleum Buffer Stock. - The DOE, in coordination with the DOF, DBM, DTI, the Bureau of Customs (BOC), the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), and such other relevant agencies as may be necessary, shall assess the feasibility, necessity, cost-effectiveness, and implementation requirements for the establishment, institutionalization, build-up, maintenance, rotation, and long-term management of a National Strategic Petroleum Buffer Stock as a permanent national energy security and resilience mechanism of the State, sufficient to cover not less than ninety (90) days of national demand, or such higher or lower level as may be necessary based on national security, supply vulnerability, and other prevailing conditions, through the procurement, importation, storage, leasing, or acquisition of petroleum products, facilities, and related infrastructure, including through government-to-government arrangements and other emergency procurement modalities. The
establishment, maintenance, rotation, and utilization of such buffer stock shall be treated as a matter of national security, energy resilience, and strategic public interest, and shall not be construed as price control or market regulation under Republic Act No. 8479 or other applicable laws. (b) Strategic Fuel Sourcing and International Energy Cooperation. - The DOE, in coordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Office of the President, DOF, DTI, the BOC, the PPA, and such other relevant agencies as may be necessary, shall assess the feasibility and implementation requirements for entering into government-to-government arrangements and other international supply agreements necessary to secure new and diversified sources of fuel and energy. For this purpose, the assessment shall include the need for the expedited processing of permits, clearances, customs and port requirements, logistics and storage arrangements, and other related approvals, as well as the use of emergency procurement or negotiated arrangements necessary to ensure timely fuel supply during the national emergency. (c) Strategic Allocation and Anti-Diversion of Fuel Resources. - The DOE, in coordination with the DILG, the Philippine National Police (PNP), DOJ, DTI, and such other relevant agencies as may be necessary, shall assess the feasibility and implementation requirements for measures for the strategic allocation, prioritization, release, and distribution of fuel and energy resources to critical and essential sectors, including food production and distribution, medical and health services, public utilities, emergency response, water supply, power generation, and such other priority sectors as may be determined by the DOE under standards to be prescribed under this Act. For this purpose, the assessment shall include temporary measures to prevent, detect, and suppress the unauthorized diversion, withholding, rerouting, hoarding, resale, or misuse of fuel stocks intended for priority sectors or emergency use. 30 II. ENERGY TRANSITION AND DEMAND REDUCTION
1 (a) Accelerated Deployment of Decentralized and Embedded Renewable Energy Systems. — The DOE, in coordination with the ERC, DTI, the Board of Investments (BOI), and such other relevant agencies as may be necessary, shall assess the feasibility, necessity, cost-effectiveness, and implementation requirements for the accelerated deployment and promotion of strategically embedded local renewable energy sources, including microgrids, community-based solar farms, mini hydroelectric dams, small-scale geothermal power plants, and other decentralized and/or embedded renewable energy systems, in order to reduce dependence on centralized power grids and fossil-fuel-based generation during and beyond the national emergency. For this purpose, the assessment shall include the identification of appropriate non-fiscal incentives, regulatory support mechanisms, priority deployment areas, implementation barriers, and the executive, administrative, fiscal, or legislative measures necessary to facilitate the development of such systems. (b) Streamlined Permitting for Energy Projects. - The Energy Virtual One-Stop Shop (EVOSS) Steering Committee and with such other relevant agencies as may be necessary, shall assess the feasibility and implementation requirements for the expedited and streamlined accreditation, permitting, and approval of renewable energy projects, alternative fuel sources, and energy-efficient technologies, in order to augment the national energy mix and reduce delays in the deployment of critical energy projects. For this purpose, the assessment shall identify permitting bottlenecks, overlapping requirements, processing delays, digitalization needs, and the executive, administrative, regulatory, or legislative actions necessary to simplify and accelerate project approval processes. (c) Accelerated Deployment of Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure in Private Developments. - The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), in coordination with the DOE, DTI, ERC, and such other relevant agencies as may be necessary, shall assess the feasibility, necessity, cost-effectiveness, and implementation requirements for requiring,
as a condition for the issuance of development permits, licenses to sell, or other appropriate approvals for condominiums, subdivisions, and mixed-use urban developments, the allocation and installation of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure covering not less than thirty percent (30%) of total parking slots, whether through installed charging stations or pre-installed conduits and sufficient electrical capacity for future activation. For existing developments, the assessment shall include the feasibility of requiring the retrofitting or gradual installation of EV charging infrastructure, subject to simplified permitting processes and reasonable compliance timelines. It shall likewise assess equitable cost-sharing arrangements among developers, condominium corporations, homeowners' associations, and end-users or beneficiaries, taking into account affordability, proportional usage, and phased implementation. The DOE, in coordination with DHSUD, DTI, ERC, and other relevant agencies, shall further assess and recommend minimum technical standards, interoperability requirements, and safety guidelines necessary to ensure reliable, accessible, and future-ready EV charging infrastructure. (d) Adoption of Energy-Efficient Digital Infrastructure and Green Websites. - The DICT, in coordination with the DOE, and with such other relevant agencies as may be necessary, shall assess the feasibility and implementation requirements for the adoption of energy-efficient digital infrastructure and "green website" standards by all national government agencies (NGAS), GOCCs and LGUs, including optimized web design, reduced data load, efficient hosting, and other measures to minimize energy consumption from digital services. For this purpose, the assessment shall include the development of minimum standards, guidelines, and best practices for energy-efficient digital systems, which may be made mandatory for government agencies and recommended for private sector adoption, as appropriate and consistent with law. The assessment shall likewise include the feasibility of requiring agencies to prioritize migration to energy-efficient hosting solutions and the optimization of high-traffic digital platforms, while ensuring accessibility, data privacy, cybersecurity, and continuity of public
service. 2 III. TRANSPORT AND MOBILITY MANAGEMENT (a) Budget Realignment for Energy-Efficient Government Transport. - The DBM, in coordination with DOE, DOTr, and such other relevant agencies as may be necessary, shall assess the feasibility, necessity, cost-effectiveness, and implementation requirements for the realignment of a portion of the motor vehicle capital outlay and related appropriations of government agencies toward the procurement, lease, or deployment of fuel-efficient, electric, hybrid, or other alternative fuel vehicles: Provided, That such realignment shall prioritize agencies with high fuel consumption and critical service delivery functions. For this purpose, the assessment shall include the legal, fiscal, and operational requirements for such realignment, the applicable budgeting and procurement constraints, and the appropriate standards and prioritization framework for implementation. (b) Accelerated Government Fleet Electrification and Fuel Substitution. - DOTr, in coordination with the DOE, the DBM, the Government Procurement Policy Board (GPPB), and such other relevant agencies as may be necessary, shall assess the feasibility, necessity, cost-effectiveness, and implementation requirements for the accelerated procurement, lease, or deployment of electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, and other fuel-efficient or alternative fuel transport solutions for government operations, including but not limited to shuttle services for government personnel, logistics support for agricultural and essential goods delivery, and patrol or monitoring vehicles for critical agencies. For this purpose, the assessment shall include the identification of priority agencies and vehicle classes, lifecycle costs, procurement and leasing modalities, charging and refueling requirements, maintenance capacity, and such other implementation considerations as may be necessary to support the transition of government fleets toward more energy-efficient and less fuel-intensive transport solutions. (c) Nationwide Deployment of Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure. - DOE, in
coordination with the DOTr, the DTI, ERC, LGUs, and such other relevant agencies as may be necessary, shall assess the feasibility, necessity, cost-effectiveness, and implementation requirements for the accelerated nationwide deployment of EV charging infrastructure, with priority given to high-density urban areas, major transport corridors, logistics hubs, and public transport terminals, in order to enable the large-scale adoption of electric mobility solutions, including but not limited to electric scooters, motorcycles, cars, buses, and other transport modes. For this purpose, the assessment shall include possible implementation through public investment, incentives to private sector participation, public-private partnerships, and other appropriate mechanisms, as well as the standards necessary to ensure interoperability, accessibility, affordability, safety, and broad and equitable usage. The assessment shall likewise include the executive, administrative, regulatory, and legislative actions necessary to streamline and expedite the permitting, licensing, and installation processes for EV charging infrastructure. 16 IV. FOOD SECURITY AND AGRICULTURE (a) Emergency Livelihood and Food Security Programs. - DOLE, in coordination with the DA, DSWD, LGUs, and such other relevant agencies as may be necessary, shall assess the feasibility, necessity, cost-effectiveness, and implementation requirements for the repurposing and realignment of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program toward community-based food production, food processing, post-harvest activities, urban and peri-urban farming, and other livelihood interventions necessary to ensure both livelihood support and local food security during the national emergency. For this purpose, the assessment shall include target beneficiary sectors and geographic coverage, program design and eligible activities, coordination mechanisms with LGUs and community organizations, funding requirements and sources, and expected outputs and timelines. (b) Emergency Deployment of Post-Harvest Facilities and Systems. - DA, in
coordination with the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), DTI, LGUs, and such other relevant agencies as may be necessary, shall assess the feasibility, necessity, cost-effectiveness, and implementation requirements for the establishment, installation, and operationalization of post-harvest facilities and systems, including but not limited to cold storage units, refrigerated transport, drying facilities, warehousing, and processing centers, in order to prevent food wastage, stabilize supply, and support farmers and fisherfolk during the national emergency. For this purpose, the assessment shall include the feasibility of incorporating renewable energy or energy-efficient technologies, including solar-powered cold storage and modular systems, to ensure reliability, reduce operating costs, and minimize dependence on fuel. It shall likewise identify priority major agricultural production areas, fishing communities, and logistics bottlenecks, and shall emphasize rapid deployment, accessibility to small producers, and coordination with existing food distribution and logistics networks. (c) National Food Waste Reduction and Redistribution System. - DSWD, in coordination with the DA, DTI, LGUs, and such other relevant agencies as may be necessary, shall assess the feasibility, necessity, cost-effectiveness, and implementation requirements for the establishment and operationalization of a nationwide system for the recovery, aggregation, and redistribution of surplus but edible food from restaurants, supermarkets, food manufacturers, agricultural producers, and other sources, for distribution to vulnerable communities, food banks, community kitchens, and emergency feeding programs. For this purpose, the assessment shall include the development, deployment, and maintenance of a digital and interoperable Food Rescue and Redistribution Platform that enables real-time matching of surplus food supply with demand, allowing businesses, institutions, and individuals to post available surplus food, and enabling accredited food banks, LGUs, and community organizations to coordinate collection, logistics, and distribution. The assessment shall likewise include appropriate food safety, storage, transport, accreditation, and accountability requirements; the feasibility of
liability protection for participating food donors acting in good faith and in compliance with applicable food safety standards; possible incentives to encourage voluntary participation of private entities; and the establishment or designation by LGUs of local food banks, storage, and distribution hubs within their jurisdictions, where feasible and consistent with existing laws, rules, and regulations. 7 V. SOCIAL PROTECTION AND ECONOMIC RELIEF 8 (a) Temporary Relief Measures on Contributions and Loan Amortizations. - The Social Security System (SSS), Government Service Insurance System (GSIS, PhilHealth, and Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG Fund), in coordination with DOF, DOLE, and such other relevant agencies as may be necessary, shall assess the feasibility, necessity, actuarial soundness, cash flow implications, and implementation requirements for targeted relief measures for affected members during the declared emergency, including the temporary suspension or deferment of the employee share in premium contributions and an automatic moratorium of at least sixty (60) days on loan amortizations. Any suspension or deferment of premium contributions under this subsection shall be limited to the employee share only, and employers shall continue to remit the employer share in accordance with existing laws, rules, and regulations. Such suspension or deferment shall not diminish, reduce, impair, or interrupt the accrued or accruing benefits, entitlements, coverage, crediting, or membership standing of affected members during the period of relief. Any moratorium on loan amortizations shall be implemented without interest, penalties, surcharges, delinquency, or other similar charges, and shall not result in any adverse credit treatment. The unpaid amortization for the period of suspension shall be treated only as a corresponding extension of the loan term for the same period, without altering the original principal obligations of the loan and without imposing additional interest by reason of such
suspension beyond that already provided under the original loan terms. For this purpose, the assessment shall ensure the continued sustainability and benefit delivery capacity of the respective institutions and shall identify clear conditions for implementation, including limited duration, coverage of affected sectors only, waiver of penalties during the emergency period, and any appropriate catch-up, subsidy, or fiscal support mechanism where necessary. Implementation shall prioritize minimum wage earners, informal sector workers, and government employees with Salary Grade 10 and below. The DOF, in coordination with the concerned institutions, shall likewise assess the necessity and possible sources of any appropriate fiscal support, subject to existing budgeting, accounting, and auditing laws. (b) Rental Relief for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. — DTI, in coordination with the DHSUD, DOF, LGUs, and such other relevant agencies as may be necessary, shall assess the feasibility, necessity, cost-effectiveness, and implementation requirements for rental relief measures for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) struggling with energy-related overhead costs, including the possible grant of a minimum thirty (30)-day grace period on commercial rents and other appropriate temporary relief mechanisms consistent with existing laws, rules, and regulations. For this purpose, the assessment shall identify the sectors to be covered, the standards for eligibility, the scope and duration of relief, the legal and contractual implications of such measures, and the possible executive, administrative, fiscal, or legislative actions necessary to operationalize the same while balancing the interests of both tenants and lessors. (c) Emergency Livelihood and Food Security Programs for OFWs. - Direct the OWWA and DOLE to prioritize displaced OFWs for the Emergency Livelihood and Food Security Programs. For this purpose, such programs shall prioritize employment and skills-based engagement in the assembly, installation, operation, and maintenance of RE systems and EV infrastructure, including related support services, in order to provide immediate income opportunities,
facilitate reintegration, and strengthen national energy resilience during the national emergency: Provided, That other livelihood opportunities may be extended as necessary, consistent with the objectives of this Act. 4 VI. DEFENSE, SECURITY, AND CRITICAL SERVICES (a) Defense and Security Fuel Subsidy.—The DND, in coordination with the DOE, DBM, AFP, DOTr, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and such other relevant agencies as may be necessary, shall assess the feasibility, necessity, cost-effectiveness, and implementation requirements for the provision of a Defense and Security Fuel Subsidy to ensure the uninterrupted operation of defense monitoring equipment, tactical vehicles, and other critical defense and security assets, including but not limited to those operated by the AFP and the PCG, for the purpose of maintaining maritime domain awareness, territorial integrity, internal security, and the continuity of other critical defense and security operations during the national emergency. For this purpose, the assessment shall identify the priority units, assets, operations, and geographic areas to be covered, the estimated fuel requirements and funding needs, the appropriate delivery and accountability mechanisms, and the executive, administrative, fiscal, or legislative measures necessary to operationalize such subsidy in a targeted, transparent, and fiscally sustainable manner. The DND and the concerned agencies shall submit the corresponding policy recommendations, implementation options, draft guidelines, and any necessary executive, administrative, fiscal, or legislative measures in accordance with this Section. 24 VII. INVESTMENT, INDUSTRY, AND PRIVATE SECTOR SUPPORT (a) Incentives for Clean Energy and Critical Equipment Importation.- DOE, in coordination with the BOI, DTI, DOF, BOC, and such other relevant agencies as may be necessary, shall assess the feasibility, necessity, cost-effectiveness, and implementation requirements for the grant or liberalization of incentives for the manufacture, assembly, importation, or domestic production of critical equipment necessary for carrying out the policy declared herein, including
electric vehicles, renewable energy hardware, energy-efficient technologies, battery systems, charging infrastructure, and such other critical equipment as may be determined by the appropriate agencies. For this purpose, the assessment shall include the appropriate scope, duration, eligibility requirements, and fiscal implications of such incentives, including possible exemptions, reductions, deferments, or other forms of relief from import duties, taxes, and other fees, where authorized under existing law or recommended for future legislation. The DOE and the concerned agencies shall submit the corresponding policy recommendations, implementation options, draft guidelines, and any necessary executive, administrative, fiscal, or legislative measures in accordance with this Section. (b) Access to Credit for Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency and Fleet Modernization. —The DOF, in coordination with the DOE, the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP), and other relevant government financial institutions and agencies, shall assess the feasibility, necessity, cost-effectiveness, and implementation requirements for improving access to credit for the productive sectors of the economy for energy-efficiency upgrades, clean energy investments, and fleet modernization. For this purpose, the assessment shall incorporate and build upon existing specialized credit facilities, including LBP's REnewable and ALternative Energy Plus (REAL Energy+) Lending Program, and DBP's Financing Utilities for Sustainable Energy Development (FUSED) Program and Solar Merchant Power Plant (SMPP) Financing Program. The assessment shall include possible measures such as lowering effective lending rates, extending repayment terms, establishing guarantee or risk-sharing mechanisms, creating dedicated financing windows, and providing other appropriate support for qualified borrowers undertaking energy-efficiency upgrades, electrification, fuel substitution, or fleet modernization. The DOF and the concerned agencies shall submit the
corresponding policy recommendations, implementation options, draft guidelines, and any necessary executive, administrative, fiscal, or legislative measures in accordance with this Section. 4 (c) Priority Contracting for Energy and Crisis-Critical Services. - DOE, in coordination with the DTI, the DOF, relevant procuring entities, recognized business and industry associations, chambers of commerce, and such other relevant agencies as may be necessary, shall assess the feasibility, necessity, cost-effectiveness, and implementation requirements for measures to support, prioritize, or facilitate the timely contracting, supply, and delivery of materials, equipment, goods, and services necessary to carry out the national policy declared herein, particularly those required for energy security, food security, transport continuity, and other crisis-critical services. For this purpose, the assessment shall include the identification of appropriate contractual, regulatory, incentive-based, procurement, or coordination mechanisms, consistent with fair and reasonable terms and with existing laws, rules, and regulations, in order to encourage or enable businesses, energy providers, and other private sector participants to support the uninterrupted provision of crisis-critical goods and services during the national emergency. 19 VIII. LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION SUPPORT (a) Mandatory LGU Support for Energy Policy Enforcement. — All LGUs, in coordination with the DOE, DILG, and such other relevant agencies as may be necessary, shall assess and identify the administrative, regulatory, and field support measures that may be provided within their respective jurisdictions to support the implementation and enforcement of rules and regulations issued by the National Government pursuant to this Act, including support in the monitoring of retail fuel prices and the enforcement of lawful price stabilization and fuel distribution measures, where authorized under this Act and existing laws, rules, and regulations. For this purpose, the PNP, in coordination with the DILG, the DOE, LGUs, and other relevant enforcement agencies, shall assess and identify appropriate law enforcement support
mechanisms, including assistance in inspections, enforcement operations, and the prevention and prosecution of violations such as hoarding, profiteering, and illegal diversion of fuel, consistent with existing laws, rules, and regulations. The concerned agencies shall likewise assess the feasibility and legal basis for allowing the use of the LDRRMF, the LGSF, and other available local resources for agriculture, food security, energy access, and other priorities directly responsive to the national emergency, subject to existing budgeting, accounting, and auditing laws. 9 IX. FISCAL MEASURES AND REVENUE AUGMENTATION (a) Temporary Increase in Taxes on Luxury Goods. - DOF, in coordination with BIR, BOC, DTI, recognized business and industry associations, chambers of commerce, and such other relevant agencies as may be necessary, shall assess the feasibility, necessity, administrative workability, fiscal impact, and implementation requirements for the temporary increase of taxes on luxury goods and services, defined as non-essential goods and services characterized by high market value and discretionary consumption, including but not limited to luxury vehicles, jewelry, high-end fashion items, yachts, private aircraft, premium real estate, and similar goods or services as may be determined by law. For this purpose, the assessment shall include possible adjustments to excise taxes, VAT, import duties, surtaxes, or similar fiscal measures, subject to constitutional requirements and existing laws, and shall be designed to ensure progressivity, promote equitable burden-sharing, and temper excessive or conspicuous consumption during the national emergency while generating revenues for crisis response. The assessment shall likewise identify appropriate coverage, rate structure, duration, and classification standards, and any necessary legislative proposals; Provided, That any temporary increase in taxes imposed on such luxury goods and services shall be subject to defined limits and safeguards; Provided, further, That the VAT applicable to such goods and services shall not exceed fifteen percent (15%); Provided, furthermore, That any increase
in excise taxes, import duties, or similar charges shall be reasonable, time-bound, and proportionate to the objective of revenue generation and demand management, and shall not result in an excessive or confiscatory cumulative tax burden. 5 (b) Windfall Profit Levy on Public Utilities. - DOF, in coordination with BIR, ERC, LTFRB, MWSS, and such other relevant regulatory agencies as may be necessary, shall assess the feasibility, necessity, legal basis, administrative workability, and implementation requirements for a temporary windfall profit levy on public utilities and other regulated entities operating in essential sectors, including but not limited to energy, transport, and water, in order to ensure equitable burden-sharing and prevent undue enrichment arising from the national emergency. The assessment shall cover the imposition of a temporary levy of up to fifteen percent (15%) on excess profits, defined as net income or returns exceeding a reasonable rate of return (RROR) or such benchmark as may be determined by the appropriate regulatory agency for each sector, taking into account historical performance, industry standards, and prevailing economic conditions: Provided, That such levy shall apply only to profits attributable to extraordinary circumstances arising from the national emergency; Provided, further, That appropriate caps, thresholds, and sector-specific adjustments may be established to ensure fairness, proportionality, and administrative feasibility; Provided, furthermore, That no levy shall be imposed on gains demonstrably arising from efficiency improvements, legitimate business expansion, or new capital investments. (c) Imposition of a Wealth Tax on Ultra High-Net-Worth Individuals. - DOr, in coordination with BIR, DTI, recognized business and industry associations, chambers of commerce, and such other relevant agencies as may be necessary, shall assess the feasibility, necessity, constitutional defensibility, administrative workability, valuation methodology, and implementation requirements for a one-time wealth levy, to be known as the Solidarity Wealth Contribution, on ultra high-net-worth individuals, in order to promote equitable burden-sharing during the national emergency. For this purpose, the
assessment shall include possible thresholds, rate structures, exemptions, treatment of primary residences and assets directly used in active business operations, valuation rules for real and personal property, tangible and intangible assets, treatment of liabilities, compliance and enforcement mechanisms, expected revenue yield, and any other safeguards necessary to avoid arbitrary valuation, undue disruption of productive activity, or constitutional infirmity. The assessment and corresponding recommendations may include, but need not be limited to, the following proposed parameters: (i) a one percent (1%) levy on net assets exceeding One Billion Pesos (P1,000,000,000.00); (ii) a two percent (2%) levy on net assets exceeding Two Billion Pesos (P2,000,000,000.00); (iii) a three percent (3%) levy on net assets exceeding Three Billion Pesos (P3,000,000,000.00); (iv) a four percent (4%) levy on net assets exceeding Four Billion Pesos (P4,000,000,000.00); (v) implementation, collection, and enforcement by the BIR under rules and regulations to be issued by the DOF, taking into account administrative feasibility and urgency; (vi) a definition of net assets as the total value of all assets, whether real or personal, tangible or intangible, less liabilities, based on simplified and emergency-appropriate valuation rules designed to ensure rapid compliance; (vii) reasonable exemptions or thresholds, including for primary residences and assets directly used in active business operations, in order to avoid disruption of productive economic activity; and (viii) treatment of the Solidarity Wealth Contribution as a one-time levy only, which shall not be construed as a recurring or annual tax and shall
cease upon the termination of the national emergency unless otherwise provided by Congress. 3 (d) Use and Disposition of Revenues. - Revenues generated from measures validly authorized under this Act shall accrue to a special purpose fund to be used exclusively for emergency response measures, including but not limited to fuel subsidies, social protection, food security, energy stabilization, and other interventions necessary to address the national emergency, whether provided under this Act or under existing laws, rules, and programs consistent with the declared national policy. Any revenues collected which remain unobligated or unexpended upon the termination of the national emergency shall automatically revert to and form part of the General Fund of the National Government, and shall thereafter be subject to the usual budgeting, appropriation, and auditing processes in accordance with existing laws, rules, and regulations. 15 X. GENERAL IMPLEMENTATION AND RESIDUAL POWERS (a) Maintenance, Utilization, and Accountability of Programs, Facilities, and Infrastructure. - All implementing agencies, including LGUs and GOCCs, shall ensure that all programs, projects, facilities, infrastructure, and systems established, funded, procured, deployed, or utilized under this Act are properly operated, maintained, monitored, and used in accordance with their intended purpose and the objectives of this Act. For this purpose, each implementing entity shall designate the responsible offices, units, or personnel, ensure the availability of the necessary operational and maintenance resources, and adopt appropriate internal management, monitoring, and accountability systems to sustain functionality, service delivery, and lawful utilization. Programs, projects, facilities, infrastructure, or systems found to be underutilized, non-operational, misused, or inconsistent with the objectives of this Act may be subject to appropriate corrective measures, including reassignment, repurposing, rehabilitation, recovery, or reallocation of resources, as may be proper under existing laws, rules, and
regulations, and subject to the applicable budgeting, auditing, and accountability requirements. 3 (b) Residual Emergency Powers. - In addition to the specific powers and measures expressly provided under this Act, the President may, for the duration of the national emergency and subject to the limitations, safeguards, reporting requirements, and oversight mechanisms provided herein, undertake such other measures as may be reasonable, necessary, and directly related to carrying out the declared national policy under this Act: Provided, That such measures are consistent with the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and other applicable laws; Provided, further, That such measures shall be exercised only to the extent necessary to address the exigencies of the national emergency and shall not be construed to authorize the permanent expansion of executive power beyond the period and purposes of this Act.
Sec. 7. Rapid Assessment, Implementation, and Policy Recommendation
15 Framework. - Within thirty (30) days from the effectivity of this Act, the DOE, in 16 coordination with the DOF, DBM, DEPDev, and all other relevant departments, 17 agencies, instrumentalities, government-owned or controlled corporations, and local 18 government units, and in consultation with affected stakeholders, shall conduct and 19 complete a rapid, comprehensive, and evidence-based assessment of each measure 20 identified under Section 6 of this Act. 21 In conducting the assessment required under this Section, the concerned 22 departments and agencies shall take into account, among others, the necessity and 23 feasibility of the measure; its legal basis; possible legal, constitutional, fiscal, 24 institutional, operational, technical, contractual, regulatory, or administrative 25 impediments; the estimated cost and funding requirements; implementation 26 timeline; operational readiness; stakeholder and market impact; and the need for 27 executive, administrative, regulatory, or legislative action. The concerned departments and agencies shall maximize the utilization of 29 their respective offices, bureaus, services, divisions, and attached agencies in the 30 preparation of the required assessments, studies, and recommendations, and shall
1 not rely solely on any single technical, policy, planning, or expert service where the 2 same would unduly impair the timely completion of such work. For this purpose, the 3 concerned agencies may seek the technical assistance, studies, data, policy support, 4 or advisory inputs of the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), the 5 Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the National Research Council of the Philippines 6 (NRCP), the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), and such other 7 government research institutions, policy bodies, state universities and colleges, or 8 public think tanks as may be necessary. Measures found, whether on the basis of prior agency determination under 10 Section 6 or on the basis of the assessment under this Section, to be immediately 11 executable under this Act and existing laws, rules, and regulations, taking into 12 account actual conditions on the ground and the absence of any material 13 impediment, shall be implemented without delay by the appropriate agencies. For measures that cannot be immediately implemented, whether due to legal, 15 constitutional, fiscal, institutional, operational, technical, contractual, regulatory, or 16 administrative impediments, or because additional authority, appropriations, 17 implementing guidelines, or coordination mechanisms are required, the relevant 18 agencies shall, within the same thirty (30)-day period, submit to the President of the 19 Philippines and to both Houses of Congress, for referral to the appropriate 20 committees, a consolidated report and advisory containing: (a) the findings of the assessment; (b) the identified impediments to immediate implementation; (c) the executive, administrative, fiscal, or legislative actions necessary to operationalize the measure; (d) the proposed implementation framework, timeline, and responsible agencies; and (e) the corresponding policy recommendations, including any proposed draft guidelines, executive issuances, budgetary measures, or legislative proposals. The President may, as may be necessary, certify as urgent the appropriate
1 legislative measures and transmit the same to Congress, together with the 2 supporting technical, fiscal, legal, and implementation documents, to enable timely 3 legislative action. The DEPDev, as Secretariat of the UPLIFTED Committee, shall consolidate all 5 policy, assessment, and recommendation outputs under this Section and ensure o coherence, consistency, and alignment with the national development strategy, fiscal 7 framework, and emergency response objectives of this Act. All submissions, reports, and recommendations under this Section shall be 9 prepared and transmitted in accordance with the unified monitoring, reporting, and 10 transparency framework established under Section 8 of this Act.
Sec. 8. Unified Monitoring, Transparency, and Accountability Framework. —
12 The UPLIFTED Committee, in coordination with the DOE, the DEPDev, the DBM, the 13 Commission on Audit (COA), and other relevant agencies, is hereby mandated to 14 establish and implement a unified system for monitoring, transparency, 15 accountability, and public reporting for all measures undertaken under this Act. For this purpose, the UPLIFTED Committee may constitute technical working 17 groups (TWGs), advisory teams, monitoring units, or rapid support teams to ensure 18 that all measures, programs, and interventions are implemented on the basis of 19 sound technical, financial, economic, legal, environmental, and social considerations, 20 and that the modes of implementation adopted are the most practicable, efficient, 21 responsive, and accountable under prevailing conditions. The Committee shall establish an integrated monitoring and reporting system, 23 which shall include real-time or near real-time tracking, where practicable, of critical 24 indicators, including fuel supply conditions, cargo movements, incoming shipments, 25 domestic stock inventories, implementation status, utilization of funds, program 26 outputs, and other relevant operational data from concerned agencies and, where 27 authorized under this Act or existing law, from petroleum and energy industry 28 participants, subject to appropriate safeguards for commercial confidentiality, 29 national security, and data privacy.
The Committee shall require all implementing agencies, including LGUs and 2 GOCCs, to submit periodic, standardized, and verifiable reports on the status, 3 implementation, utilization, and outcomes of programs, projects, expenditures, and 4 other interventions under this Act, in accordance with the unified reporting system 5 established under this Section. The Committee shall ensure the adoption of appropriate transparency, 7 accountability, and anti-corruption safeguards, including audit coordination with the 8 COA, the establishment of performance indicators, and the implementation of control 9 mechanisms necessary to prevent leakages, misuse, diversion of funds, or abuse of 10 authority. The Committee shall develop and publicly disclose 30-day, 60-day, and 90-day 12 energy supply and economic impact scenarios to support proactive planning, policy 13 responsiveness, and public transparency. All data and reports generated under this Section shall be made accessible, 15 where appropriate, to the President, Congress, and the public, consistent with 16 applicable laws on transparency, national security, commercial confidentiality, and 17 data privacy.
Sec. 9. Continuing and Institutionalized Measures. - Notwithstanding the
19 expiration or termination of the emergency powers granted under this Act, the 20 following measures are hereby identified as potential continuing policies and 21 institutional mechanisms of the State, which may, upon evaluation, be retained, 22 institutionalized, expanded, modified, or discontinued, in whole or in part, in 23 accordance with existing laws, rules, and regulations. For this purpose, the UPLIFTED Committee shall oversee the review and 25 evaluation of such measures and may utilize existing offices, technical staff, 26 inter-agency groups, or clusters of related measures, and, where necessary, 27 constitute technical working groups or similar support mechanisms, in order to 28 ensure a practical, efficient, and non-duplicative process. The review shall focus on the necessity, legality, effectiveness, operational
1 feasibility, fiscal sustainability, and long-term public benefit of the measures under 2 consideration, and shall generate recommendations, as appropriate, for: (a) 3 improvements or adjustments during the emergency; (b) temporary continuation 4 after the emergency for transition or continuity; (c) implementation through 5 executive or administrative action under existing law; or (d) legislative measures 6 necessary for long-term institutionalization, amendment, or discontinuance. Within one hundred eighty (180) days from the termination of the national 8 emergency, the UPLIFTED Committee shall submit to the President and Congress a 9 consolidated post-emergency assessment identifying which measures should be 10 retained as continuing statutory policies, which may be implemented through 11 executive or administrative action, and which should be terminated. The following measures are hereby identified for such continuing assessment: (a) The monitoring and transparency mechanisms over the oil industry implemented under this Act, including the submission of transaction, pricing, cost, and inventory data by industry participants; (b) The establishment, maintenance, and management of the National Strategic Petroleum Buffer Stock, under the DOE, as a permanent mechanism for ensuring energy security and supply resilience; (c) The implementation of a rationalized electricity pricing framework, including the exclusion of VAT on pass-through charges and non-value-adding components, to be enforced by the DOE, the ERC, the DOF, and the BIR; (d) The continued operation and enhancement of the NERTMS under the DOE as a permanent tool for monitoring fuel supply, pricing behavior, and market conditions; (e) The institutionalization of the National Food Waste Reduction and Redistribution System under the DSWD, in coordination with the DA, LGUS, and relevant stakeholders. (f) The adoption and implementation of transport demand management and
carpooling measures, including high-occupancy vehicle incentives, lane prioritization, and digital or platform-based ride-sharing systems, under the DOTr, in coordination with the LTO, the MMDA, LGUs, and other relevant agencies; and 5 (g) The implementation of traffic management and road space reallocation measures to promote fuel-efficient and active transport, including dedicated lanes for PUVs, pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, and related urban mobility interventions, under the DOTr, in coordination with the DILG, LGUS, and other relevant agencies. The enumerated measures above shall not be deemed exclusive, and that 11 other measures authorized or implemented under this Act may likewise be subject to 12 review, evaluation, and potential institutionalization, as may be determined by the 13 UPLIFTED Committee.
Sec. 10. Reports to Congress and Creation of an Oversight Committee. - The
15 President shall submit to Congress regular reports on the implementation of this Act, 16 which may include weekly summary reports during the period of the national 17 emergency, and more detailed periodic reports as may be necessary, containing a 18 description of all acts performed pursuant to this Act and their corresponding 19 outcomes. Such reports shall include key indicators of performance and impact, 21 including, but not limited to, trends in fuel prices and inflation, food supply 22 conditions, transport sector support, healthcare access, and social protection 23 coverage, in accordance with the monitoring and reporting framework established 24 under this Act. For purposes of legislative oversight, a Joint Congressional Proactive 26 Response and Oversight for Timely and Effective Crisis Strategy (PROTECT) 27 Committee may be constituted to monitor the implementation of this Act and to 28 determine whether actions taken are consistent with the authority and limitations 29 provided herein.
Upon the termination of the state of national emergency, the President shall 2 direct all implementing agencies to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the 3 measures undertaken pursuant to this Act, including an evaluation of their 4 effectiveness, efficiency, and impact: Provided, That the Executive shall submit to 5 Congress, within a reasonable period, a consolidated report identifying best 6 practices, lessons learned, and measures that have proven effective in addressing 7 the crisis; Provided, further, That such report shall include recommendations for the 8 institutionalization, modification, or discontinuance of such measures through • appropriate legislation or policy reforms.
Sec. 11. Penalties. - In addition to acts already penalized, the following shall
11 be punishable with imprisonment of two (2) months to one (1) year or a fine of 12 P10,000.00 to P1,000,000.00: (a) LGU officials disobeying national energy policies; (b) Fuel hoarding, profiteering, price manipulation, or participation in cartels that distort the supply or distribution of petroleum products or electricity; (c) Any deliberate act, including the creation, dissemination, or amplification of false or misleading information, or other deceptive or manipulative conduct, undertaken with knowledge of its falsity or with reckless disregard for the truth, and with the intent to cause public panic, disrupt the supply or distribution of energy resources, induce hoarding, or undermine public safety during the national emergency; (d) The inclusion, display, or dissemination of the name, image, likeness, logo, or any identifying mark of any public official or elective representative in any program, project, communication, relief goods, assistance, or other publicly funded or supported activity implemented under this Act, for purposes of personal publicity, credit-claiming, or political advantage; and (e) Unjustified refusal or failure to comply with duly issued transportation limits, energy conservation mandates, or other lawful directives under this Act.
Without prejudice to the penalties provided above, any public official or 2 employee responsible for the preparation, submission, transmission, or 3 implementation of any report, assessment, recommendation, directive, or timeline 4 required under this Act who, without justifiable cause, fails to comply therewith, 5 causes undue delay, or submits materially false, incomplete, or misleading 6 information, shall be subject to appropriate administrative and disciplinary 7 proceedings in accordance with existing civil service, administrative, and other 8 applicable laws, rules, and regulations. In addition, any public officer or employee who, in relation to the 10 implementation of this Act, commits any act of graft, corruption, misappropriation, 11 diversion, or misuse of public funds, or enters into manifestly disadvantageous 12 contracts, or gives unwarranted benefits, advantage, or preference to any private 13 party, shall, without prejudice to prosecution under existing laws, be subject to the 14 maximum penalties provided under applicable laws and shall suffer disqualification 15 from public office as may be provided therein: Provided, That the commission of 16 such acts during a declared national emergency shall be considered an aggravating 17 circumstance.
Sec. 12. Construction or Interpretation. - Nothing herein shall be construed
19 as an impairment, restriction or modification of the provisions of the Constitution, in 20 case the exercise of the powers herein granted conflicts with other statutes, orders, 21 rules or regulations, the provisions of this Act shall prevail. This Act shall be liberally 22 construed to carry out the declared national policy and the purposes for which the 23 emergency powers are granted: Provided, That any ambiguity shall be resolved in 24 favor of the effective exercise of such powers within the scope of this Act and 25 subject to the Bill of Rights and other Constitutional guarantees.
Sec. 13. Funding Sources and Appropriations. - An initial amount of Two
27 Hundred Thirty Billion Pesos (P230,000,000,000.00) is hereby identified and 28 authorized to fund the implementation of measures under this Act, to be sourced 29 from the following: (a) continuing appropriations and unreleased allotments from 30 Fiscal Year 2025; (b) appropriations under the Fiscal Year 2026 General
1 Appropriations Act; and (c) the Malampaya Fund, subject to existing laws, rules, and 2 regulations. The foregoing amount shall not be construed as a funding cap and may be 4 augmented, as necessary, through: (a) revenues generated from the fiscal measures 5 authorized under this Act; and (b) additional funding sources to be identified, 6 generated, and mobilized by the DBM, in coordination with the DOF and other 7 relevant agencies, through the proactive assessment of programs, activities, and 8 projects under the Fiscal Year 2026 GAA that may be reasonably discontinued, • deferred, or realigned, consistent with the declared national policy and subject to 10 existing budgeting, accounting, and auditing laws, rules, and regulations. DBM, in coordination with the DOF, DEPDev, and the UPLIFTED Committee, 12 shall, within fifteen (15) days from the effectivity of this Act, prepare and implement 13 a prioritized allocation and release framework for all funds authorized or made 14 available under this Act. Such framework shall identify the order of priority, 15 sequencing, and conditions for the release and use of funds, taking into account the 16 urgency of the measure, its expected impact on energy security, food security, 17 transport continuity, social protection, public health, and national defense, the 18 readiness of the implementing agency, the availability of legal authority and 19 implementation mechanisms, and the need to ensure accountability, transparency, 20 and continuity of essential services: Provided, That such prioritized allocation and 21 release framework shall be made publicly available in a timely and accessible 22 manner. In the release of funds, priority shall be given to measures that are 23 immediately executable, necessary to prevent serious disruption of essential services 24 or supply chains, or required to protect vulnerable sectors and maintain critical 25 government operations during the national emergency. All funds mobilized pursuant to this Section shall be used exclusively to 27 support measures necessary to address the national emergency and implement the 28 programs under this Act, as well as other emergency response measures authorized 29 under existing laws, rules, and regulations and consistent with the declared national 30 policy.
Sec. 14. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared
2 unconstitutional, the remainder thereof not otherwise affected shall remain in full 3 force and effect.
Sec. 15. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance,
5 executive order, letter of instruction, rule or regulation inconsistent with the 6 provisions of this Act is hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
Sec. 16. Effectivity. - The Emergency Powers granted in this Act shall take
8 effect immediately upon its publication in a newspaper of general circulation or in 9 the Official Gazette and shall remain in full force and effect for a period of six (6) 10 months, or until the Mean of Platts Singapore (MOPS) price of crude oil falls below 11 Eighty United States Dollars (US$80) per barrel for a continuous period of thirty (30) 12 days, whichever comes earlier: Provided, That Congress may extend the effectivity 13 of this Act by means of a concurrent resolution for a period not exceeding one (1) 14 year: Provided, further, That the powers granted under this Act may be withdrawn or 15 terminated earlier by a concurrent resolution of Congress or by an Executive 16 issuance upon determination that the conditions necessitating the declaration of a 17 national emergency no longer exist: Provided, finally, That provisions and measures 18 identified under this Act as potentially continuing or institutionalized may remain in 19 effect beyond the expiration of the emergency powers, subject to the review and 20 evaluation process and oversight mechanisms provided under this Act. Approved,
Reproduced from the Senate document. The official PDF is the authoritative version.