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Jean Mangaluz - Philstar.com
March 16, 2026 | 4:51pm
Station attendants check their stocks at a gasoline station in Cubao, Quezon City on March 10, 2026, as fuel companies will implement a staggered price hike to ease motorists.
The STAR / Miguel de Guzman
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has certified as urgent a measure amending the biofuels law amid soaring gas prices caused by the Israel-Iran war.
The Palace confirmed to reporters a letter addressed to Senate President Tito Sotto from Marcos.
In the letter dated Monday, March 16, Marcos said the measure should be enacted immediately to help address fuel price volatility triggered by geopolitical tensions.
He said the proposed amendment would "mitigate the impact of rising fuel prices amid escalating geopolitical tensions and volatility in global oil markets, as well as to strengthen the country's resilience against future disruptions to energy supply."
Senate Bill 1965 seeks to amend Section 5 of Republic Act No. 9367, or the Biofuels Act of 2006. Under the measure, the president may, through an executive order, allow the importation of biofuel components such as bioethanol and biodiesel for up to one year regardless of the available domestic supply.
The importation would be allowed if blended gasoline or diesel becomes at least 5% more expensive than pure gasoline or diesel.
The said measure authorizes the president, through an executive order, to order the importation of biofuel components such as bioethanol and biodiesel for up to one year, regardless of the supply level of locally produced biofuel components.
“The proceeds from tariffs and taxes imposed on the importation of biofuel components during the effectivity of the executive order shall be earmarked for the implementation of social amelioration programs for farmers and workers in the domestic biofuels industry by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, in consultation with the Department of Agriculture, and other concerned government departments or agencies,” the bill added.
Marcos has already certified as urgent a similar bill in the House of Representatives. The measure would allow him emegency powers to suspend the excise tax on fuel products.
Fuel prices have soared after Israel and the United States struck Iran, causing Tehran to block off the Strait of Hormuz—a vital passage where 20% of the world’s oil supply passes through.
Background: Biofuels Act of 2006. The Biofuels Act of 2006 aims to reduce the country's dependence on imported fossil fuels and promote the development of alternative energy sources.
The law requires petroleum companies to blend locally produced biofuels with conventional fuel products. Gasoline must contain bioethanol, while diesel must include biodiesel derived from plant-based sources such as coconut.
