March 25, 2026
MANILA – Shortening the operating hours of malls and other commercial establishments by two to three hours may be necessary to save energy as supply remains uncertain due to the Middle East conflict, Davao Oriental Rep. Cheeno Almario said.
Almario said Tuesday that he filed House Resolution (HR) No. 893, urging the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Energy (DOE), and local government units (LGUs) to assess whether reducing operating hours would help conserve energy.
He noted that this measure prepares the country for the “possible economic ripple effects of geopolitical instability in oil-producing regions,” emphasizing that action cannot wait until the effects are already felt.
“We cannot wait until the full impact reaches Filipino consumers. Proactive conservation measures can help soften the blow of rising fuel costs,” Almario said in a statement.
“Reducing operating hours even by two to three hours daily could significantly lower electricity consumption, reduce operational expenses for businesses, and contribute to national energy conservation efforts,” he added.
Under Almario’s HR No. 893, all energy end-users are asked to “use every available energy resource efficiently and promote the development and utilization of new and alternative energy efficient technologies and systems,” which includes “renewable energy technologies and systems.”
“Commercial establishments, particularly malls in the metropolitan areas, that consume 500,000 kWh per annum are considered a Designated Establishment that is mandated to integrate an energy management policy in their business and set up programs and design measures to promote energy efficiency, conservation, and sufficiency, among others,” it stated.
“Considering the energy volatility due to ongoing Middle East tensions, there is a need to pursue collaborative efforts in energy conservation and sustainable consumption,” it added.
Aside from helping malls conserve energy, Almario said shorter operating hours can also reduce fuel consumption by limiting unnecessary travel of private vehicles and public transportation during late nights.
“This is not anti-business. On the contrary, it promotes efficiency, responsible energy use, and economic prudence at a time when global developments are placing pressure on energy markets,” Almario said.
“If we begin making responsible adjustments now, we can help protect Filipino families from the worst effects of global fuel price increases,” he added.
After the third-straight week of big-time oil price hikes, diesel costs have hit or moved past the P130 per liter mark, while gasoline now sits around P95 per liter.
Despite the latest increase, the DOE said the spike is not as volatile as the past two weeks, due to a relative calm in the global oil market.
READ: Latest fuel price hikes seen easing
Malacañang recently announced the creation of a crisis committee to address fuel and goods supply concerns. Earlier, the Senate confirmed that the proposal to suspend fuel excise taxes—P10 per liter of gasoline and P6 per liter of diesel—has reached President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s desk.
READ: Senate sends bills on excise tax suspension, BARMM polls reset to Palace
Aside from Almario’s proposal, several lawmakers have suggested other ways to ensure fuel supply amid the crisis. Earlier, Parañaque Rep. Brian Raymund Yamsuan said the government must provide safe options for “active transport,” which will be crucial during the Middle East oil crisis.
Yamsuan filed House Bill No. 7863, or the proposed Safe Pathways Network Act, on February 18. The measure would require government agencies, including LGUs, to collaborate in creating a system for pedestrians and bikers.
With fuel prices still surging, Yamsuan said an efficient pathways system would help those using non-motorized transport save money, as unsafe sidewalks and bike lanes would no longer deter them. /mcm