Palace Press Officer Claire Castro says the ‘energy lockdown’ claim is 'fake news.' Malcañang earlier said no energy lockdown is expected at the moment.
Claim: The Philippines will be placed under an energy lockdown starting April 20, and the public is encouraged to prepare alternative power sources and essential supplies.
Why we fact-checked this: Multiple versions of the claim have circulated online over the past couple of days, causing significant confusion among those who have come across the post.
The post includes a social media card with the logo of the Department of Energy (DOE), along with the text, “Energy Sector PH Announcement: Energy Lockdown starting April 20, 2026. Prepare your power bank, solar equipment, rechargeable fan, flashlight, candles, lamps, food, medicine, water.”
The sensationalist claim was quickly reposted by several concerned social media users, with many asking if the alleged announcement was true, while others were alarmed.
The facts: On April 3, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro debunked the alleged “energy lockdown” claim as “fake news,” as reported by the Philippine News Agency.
Malcañang earlier said no energy lockdown is seen for now as the government continues to secure alternative fuel sources and prepare to avoid worst-case scenarios amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
On Monday, April 6, the DOE also posted that the circulating claim is fake and that it did not make any such announcement.
The agency reminded the public to be...
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