Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 134)
The Downstream Oil Industry Deregulation Act of 1998 (RA 8479) and the Department of Energy Act of 1992 (RA 7638) authorize the Secretary of Energy to enforce policies related to conservation, stockpiling, and storage of energy resources including petroleum.
Events such as terrorist attacks, armed conflicts in the Middle East or other regions from which the Philippines sources its petroleum, or any domestic and international events that threaten or restrict petroleum supply to the country.
The Secretary of Energy is mandated to determine the types and mix of petroleum products to be stocked, the appropriate minimum inventory levels, and the commencement and duration of compliance by oil companies and bulk suppliers.
All oil companies and bulk suppliers must provide the Department of Energy with a weekly report, under oath, of their compliance with the minimum inventory requirements for the duration specified by the Secretary of Energy.
The Secretary of Energy is empowered to determine triggering circumstances for inventory requirements, set minimum inventory levels, issue appropriate implementing orders and directives, and perform all acts necessary to carry out the purpose of the order.
All orders, issuances, rules, regulations, or parts thereof inconsistent with EO No. 134 are repealed or modified accordingly.
It takes effect immediately upon publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines.
The transportation sector remains largely dependent on imported oil despite the country's efforts to diversify fuel sources for power generation.
Executive Order No. 134 was signed and promulgated by then-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.