APRIL 5, 2026 – Malacañang Palace refuted claims that there will be an “energy lockdown” starting April 20. In a text message to reporters, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro dubbed the claim as “fake news.”
Castro’s statement was a reaction to a post urging everyone to prepare for an emergency lockdown, and to inform all their family and friends about it. The alarming post had since gone viral on social media.
Palace Debunks “Energy Lockdown” Post
The post, shared by “Energy Sector Ph” and bearing the Department of Energy (DOE) logo, claims there will be an “emergency lockdown” starting April 20. It urged everyone to prepare power banks, solar equipment, rechargeable fans, flashlights, candles, and lamps.
Likewise, the post advised people to prepare food, medicine, and water in preparation for the “lockdown,” the Philippine News Agency reported. It urged everyone to inform their family and friends by sharing the post.
It may be recalled that on March 24, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed Executive Order No. 110, declaring a one-year “State of National Energy Emergency.” The decision was made due to the Middle East conflict, which continues to affect oil prices and supply around the world.
With the emergency order, measures to address possible disruptions in oil supply can be made. These include providing transport subsidies, as well as imposing strict actions against hoarding or profiteering. Moreover, austerity measures like a four-day workweek, and orders for agencies to reduce fuel and power consumption, have been made.
Although the country is in a state of energy emergency, the Palace clarified that there will be “no energy lockdown,” and that electricity services will not be restricted, cut off, or suspended.
Meanwhile, Acting Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Dave Gomez warned that those who fabricate and spread false information will be held accountable “to the fullest extent of the law.”
“Spreading fake news and disinformation undermines public trust, destabilizes our economy and threatens the welfare of every Filipino,” Gomez stated, as cited by the Philippine News Agency.
The Acting PCO Secretary reminded everyone that publishing fake news is punishable under Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code, with penalties of up to six months in prison. If the act is committed online, penalties may be “doubled” because of the Cybercrime Prevention Act.
Furthermore, Gomez declared that there will be “zero tolerance for those who maliciously and deliberately commit these acts to advance their personal or political vested interest.” He also emphasized that “any attempt to mislead the public about energy security, supply or pricing to sow confusion will be treated as a serious offense.”
Finally, Gomez said that the PCO’s anti-fake news desk, together with the Department of Justice (DOJ), is ready to file charges against anyone who spreads false information or attempts to manipulate markets.
While the Philippines is under a state of national energy emergency, there is no “emergency lockdown” happening anytime soon. To avoid causing unnecessary panic, everyone is reminded to trust official government and media channels only, and to refrain from spreading unverified posts.