Manila: Malacañang on Friday firmly denied circulating rumors about an impending 'energy lockdown' supposedly set to begin on April 20. 'Fake news ito (That is fake news),' stated Palace Press Officer Claire Castro in a text message sent to reporters, responding to a viral social media post that urged the public to prepare for the alleged scenario. According to Philippines News Agency, the alarming post encouraged people to gather essentials such as power banks, solar equipment, rechargeable fans, flashlights, candles, lamps, food, medicines, and water. It also urged netizens to spread the misleading information across social media platforms. However, the government reassured citizens that no such lockdown is planned, emphasizing ongoing efforts to secure alternative fuel sources amidst the Middle East tensions. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has declared a one-year state of national energy emergency, aiming to mitigate potential disruptions in fuel supply and stabilize the country's energy sector. As pa rt of these measures, the government plans to enhance the fuel subsidy program for the transport sector nationwide, starting April 6. This initiative is intended to alleviate the impact of rising oil prices due to the ongoing conflict in the Gulf region. In a related development, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced that Iran has committed to ensuring the 'safe, unhindered, and expeditious' passage of Philippine-flagged vessels, energy sources, and all Filipino seafarers through the critical Strait of Hormuz. This assurance was secured during a phone conversation between Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro and Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Thursday. The DFA highlighted the significance of this development in ensuring both the safety of Filipino seafarers and the energy security of the Philippines.