The Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (Philexport) on Wednesday urged the government to pair its energy emergency response with targeted support measures, warning that surging fuel costs are squeezing exporters and threatening global competitiveness.
Philexport welcomed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s declaration of a State of National Energy Emergency, citing heightened global risks tied to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
It said the move could help secure supply, stabilize prices, and shield the economy from external shocks, noting ongoing conservation protocols, contingency planning, and proposed emergency powers.
But Philexport cautioned that exporters are already absorbing sharp cost increases. Higher fuel prices are driving up logistics, shipping, and production expenses, while supply chain disruptions and volatile freight rates are straining time-sensitive and energy-intensive industries.
To cushion the impact, the group called for temporary relief measures, including waivers on government shares in port and toll fees, faster rollout of fuel subsidies for critical sectors, and tighter coordination with logistics providers to prevent excessive rate hikes. It also pushed for accelerated trade facilitation and digitalization to ease bottlenecks.
At the same time, Philexport urged exporters to adapt by improving energy efficiency, optimizing supply chains, and diversifying markets.
“Philexport stands ready to work closely with government and industry stakeholders,” the group said, emphasizing the need for coordinated action to help the sector weather the crisis and emerge more resilient.
