Senator Win Gatchalian has called on the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC) to act urgently to secure the country’s oil supply, warning against complacency amid looming shortages.
The appeal came during a Senate hearing of the Proactive Response and Oversight for Timely and Effective Crisis Strategy (PROTECT) panel, where oil companies cited difficulties in sourcing fuel due to unrest in the Middle East.
Major players such as Petron Corporation and Shell disclosed their reserves may last only until May, while Chevron Corporation and independent firms projected depletion by the end of April. Industry representatives have requested government support through direct government-to-government negotiations.
“Because the message I’m getting from our oil companies, kailangan nila ng tulong. And this is where relationship will come in. Yun ang aking punto, to assure supply,” said Gatchalian, chair of the Senate Ad-Hoc Committee.
He stressed the urgency of immediate government action:
“So para hindi tayo paikot-ikot. And ang message ko sa DOE (Department of Energy) and PNOC (Philippine National Oil Company), huwag na kayo matulog. Huwag na kayo matulog. Correct. Huwag na kayo matulog. Kasi nasa inyo na humingi na sila ng tulong sa inyo eh. So kailangan na talagang mag-double time tayo dito.”
Gatchalian highlighted the need for close coordination between the government and private sector to maintain a stable supply in the coming months:
“Kasi kung sinasabi nga ng oil company, hirap kami, then it’s up to government to move. But like I said, 60 days will fly by so fast. Kung hindi tayo magsi-secure ngayon, pagdating ng panahon, problema tayong malaki,” he warned.
His remarks underscore the growing risk of fuel shortages and the necessity for decisive, coordinated measures to safeguard the country’s energy security.