Palace: No ‘energy lockdown’ starting April 20MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang dismissed as “fake news” reports of an “energy lockdown” supposedly taking effect on April 20. “Fake news ito (That is fake news),” Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said on Friday, April 3. The Palace stressed that no lockdown is planned while the government continues to secure alternative fuel sources amid tensions in the Middle East. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared a one-year state of national energy emergency to address possible supply disruptions. Lazaro called Tehran’s assurance “vital for the Philippines,” saying it will protect seafarers and help secure the country’s energy supply.

Source: Philippine Star April 04, 2026 06:58 UTC