President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA) rightly recognized that rising electricity and fuel prices continue to burden millions of Filipinos. The government's emergency measures, including fuel subsidies, electricity bill assistance, and support for vulnerable sectors, provided much-needed relief during a period of global uncertainty.
But relief is not the same as reform.
These measures might ease the pain today, but they do not prevent the next crisis. Every time conflict erupts abroad or global oil and gas prices spike, Filipino consumers are once again left vulnerable because our energy system remains heavily dependent on imported fossil fuels.
“Energy security and stability comes from reducing our dependence on imported fuels. Scaling distributed renewable energy such as rooftop and community solar can lower electricity costs, strengthen energy security, and provide more economic value for Filipino communities,” said Jasmine May Sabado, People of Asia for Climate Solutions’ (PACS) Senior Energy Transition Campaigner.
PACS recognizes several encouraging energy initiatives announced in the SONA, including the Sariling Kuryente Act to expand rooftop solar and continued support for electric vehicles and renewable energy. If implemented effectively, these measures can lower electricity costs, strengthen energy security, and empower Filipino households to generate their own clean energy.
However, PACS warns that these positive initiatives are undermined by the administration's continued expansion of fossil fuels through new petroleum service contracts, natural gas development, and further fossil fuel exploration.
“The most important indicator of how focused we are about renewables is how serious we are about the retirement of fossil fuels. Expanding fossil fuels only prolongs price volatility and import dependence. The priority should be accelerating distributed renewable energy through stronger policies, local capacity building, and international cooperation that empowers communities to become energy producers, not just consumers,” Sabado added.
With some of the world's best solar and wind resources, abundant geothermal potential, and rapidly improving energy storage technologies, the country has every opportunity to build an energy system that is affordable, resilient, and genuinely independent from volatile global fuel markets. The key now is creating the conditions that will enable these resources to power communities, including supportive policies, financing, and strategic partnerships.
The next energy crisis is not a question of if but when, unless decisive reforms reduce the country's dependence on volatile global fuel markets.
Filipinos deserve an energy future powered by the country's own renewable resources: one that delivers affordable electricity, strengthens energy security, and shields families from recurring price shocks.
Media contact:
Leovy Ramirez (she/her)
Communications Officer
+639156618382