The Department of Energy (DOE) on Sunday said the energy sector has commenced operations on heightened alert to ensure the reliable and continuous delivery of electricity across the country.
“All hands are on deck. The entire energy sector is fully mobilized and working in full coordination to ensure an unimpeded and reliable power supply, along with adequate fuel availability, for tomorrow’s national and local elections,” said DOE Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla.
Meanwhile, the Frontal System and the Easterlies will be the dominant weather systems affecting the country on Election Day (May 12).
Batanes, Apayao, and Cagayan will experience cloudy skies with scattered rain and thunderstorms due to the Frontal System. Ilocos Norte, Isabela, and the rest of the Cordillera Administrative Region will have partly cloudy skies in the morning, becoming cloudy with scattered rain and thunderstorms throughout the day.
The Easterlies, on the other hand, will bring partly cloudy to cloudy skies over Metro Manila and the rest of the country, with the possibility of isolated rain showers or thunderstorms, which may result in brief and sudden heavy downpours, mostly in the afternoon or evening.
Warm and humid conditions will persist across most parts of the country. The public is advised to take precautionary measures against heat-related illnesses such as fatigue, heat cramps, and heat exhaustion. When going to polling precincts, it is recommended to bring water to stay hydrated, use an umbrella for shade, take breaks in covered areas, and wear light-colored clothing.
This weather outlook will be updated should significant changes in the weather pattern occur. For more information, please contact the Weather Division at telephone number 8284-0800 local 4801. You may also visit our website at www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph for heat index guidance, or follow the Facebook pages of PAGASA Regional Services Divisions for localized weather updates and thunderstorm warnings.
The Energy Task Force Election (ETFE), headed by DOE Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella, began operating on a 24/7 basis starting May 11 to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process by proactively preventing power disruptions during and after the polls.
Led by the DOE, the ETFE is composed of key government energy agencies, the private transmission concessionaire, generation companies, distribution utilities, and other relevant institutions.
The task force is mandated to ensure seamless coordination of preemptive measures and rapid response protocols to support an uninterrupted and secure power supply throughout the election period.
As part of its intensified efforts, the ETFE has activated contingency protocols, completed nationwide readiness assessments, and confirmed the availability of sufficient power reserves.
Central to these preparations is the full activation of command centers across the energy sector, including those of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), the National Electrification Administration (NEA), Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), and the DOE’s own Energy Sector Emergency Operations Center (ESEOC).
These command centers, operating on a 24/7 basis until May 13, 2025, are equipped with real-time monitoring systems and analytical capabilities to detect grid vulnerabilities and enable the swift deployment of technical teams in the event of any power-related incidents.
The DOE stated that enhanced inter-agency coordination remains a cornerstone of its election preparedness framework. It also urged the public to promptly report any power-related incidents or service interruptions, noting that public vigilance plays a vital role in ensuring the continued reliability of the country’s power system.
Timely and accurate reporting enables swift intervention, minimizes the risk of prolonged outages, and supports the overall stability and resilience of the energy sector. The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) advised the public to contact their respective local distribution utilities for any concerns.
The Department of Health (DOH) on Sunday emphasized the importance of wearing helmets and seatbelts to ensure road safety, particularly on election day. According to the DOH, head injuries are the leading cause of death in motorcycle accidents in the Philippines.
The agency highlighted that wearing a helmet approved by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) can significantly reduce the risk of severe injuries and fatalities in road accidents.
World Health Organization data shows that the likelihood of death is reduced by a factor of 16 with a proper helmet, and the chance of brain injury decreases by up to 74%. The DOH also stressed the need for child passengers to use car seats that are DTI-approved and appropriate for their age, height, and weight.
In line with Republic Act 11229, or the Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act, the DOH emphasized that car seats must be properly installed and checked before travel. Children under 150 cm in height are prohibited from sitting in the front seat of vehicles.
