Saturday, May 23, 2026


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Marcos nagtanong sa France tungkol sa pagpapalaya kay Zaldy Co

Kinumpirma ng Malacañang na humingi ng paliwanag si Pangulong Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. sa France kung bakit nito hiniling ang pagpapalaya kay dating kongresista Zaldy Co mula sa kustodiya ng Czech Republic.

Ayon kay Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro noong Huwebes, itinanong ng Pangulo ang isyu sa pakikipagpulong nito sa French Ambassador na si Marie Fontanel noong Miyerkules, ngunit tumanggi ang embahada na magbigay ng karagdagang impormasyon.

“Tinatanong kasi ni Pangulo kay French ambassador kung bakit nirequest ng bansang France ‘yung pagrelease ni Zaldy Co from Czech Republic,” pahayag ni Castro.

“Pero ang tugon lang ni French Ambassador ay hindi siya makakapagbigay ng impormasyon so ginagalang ito ng Pangulo,” dagdag niya.

Sinabi rin ng Palasyo na hindi nasiyahan ang Pangulo sa naging kinalabasan ng kaso, na tinawag nitong “very unsatisfactory,” matapos mapalaya si Co mula sa kustodiya ng Czech authorities.

Ayon sa mga ulat, si Co ay naghain ng asylum sa France at iginiit ang umano’y political persecution sa Pilipinas. Batay sa impormasyon mula sa Department of Foreign Affairs, nasa ilalim na umano ng hurisdiksyon ng mga awtoridad ng France ang dating mambabatas.

Noong Abril 16, una nang inanunsyo ng Pangulo na naaresto si Co at nasa kustodiya ng Czech authorities dahil sa isyu ng kanyang travel documents. Kinumpirma rin ng Czech Republic sa pulong noong Miyerkules na nahuli si Co dahil sa invalid travel documents, ayon sa Malacañang.

Samantala, patuloy ang koordinasyon ng pamahalaan ng Pilipinas para sa posibleng pagbalik ni Co sa bansa, sa pangunguna ng Department of Justice.

Sa hiwalay na ulat, sinabi ng isang witness mula sa Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) na umano’y nakatanggap si Co ng ₱802 milyon mula sa Sunwest Construction, na kontratista ng umano’y ghost ₱289-milyong flood control project sa Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.

U.S. seeks global coalition to reopen key oil route as prices surge

WASHINGTON/DUBAI/ISLAMABAD — The United States is urging allies to form an আন্তর্জাতিক coalition to restore navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, as oil prices climb to their highest levels in more than four years amid fears of prolonged supply disruptions.

According to a State Department cable reviewed by Reuters, Washington is proposing a coordinated effort, tentatively called the “Maritime Freedom Construct,” to ensure safe passage for commercial vessels. The initiative would involve intelligence sharing, diplomatic coordination, and enforcement of sanctions linked to Iran’s oil exports.

The move comes two months into a conflict triggered by joint U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran. The closure of the strait, a vital artery for roughly one-fifth of global oil and gas shipments, has sent energy markets into turmoil and intensified concerns over a potential global economic slowdown.

Oil prices have reacted sharply. Brent crude briefly exceeded $125 per barrel, more than doubling since the start of the year. The surge has fueled inflation and driven fuel costs higher worldwide, adding political pressure on governments, including the administration of Donald Trump.

Diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict remain stalled. The United States has imposed a naval blockade on Iranian oil exports in a bid to force Tehran back to negotiations, while Iran has vowed to continue disrupting shipping in the strait as long as it faces military and economic pressure.

Washington is also weighing further military action. Reports indicate that President Trump is scheduled to receive briefings on potential additional strikes aimed at compelling Iran to reengage in talks. Tehran has warned of escalatory responses, including what it described as unprecedented military action if blockades persist.

Efforts at mediation continue. Pakistan has facilitated indirect exchanges between the two sides and is encouraging direct communication to reduce tensions. However, key differences remain unresolved, particularly over Iran’s nuclear program. The United States insists on immediate limits, while Iran seeks to defer the issue until after hostilities end.

European powers, including France and United Kingdom, have discussed participation in a maritime coalition but have signaled reluctance to commit before a ceasefire is firmly in place.

The conflict has already taken a significant toll. A senior Pentagon official estimated U.S. military expenditures at $25 billion. Inside Iran, economic strain is mounting, with inflation nearing 66 percent and the national currency falling to record lows.

Control of the Strait of Hormuz remains central to the standoff. Iran has largely restricted transit to its own vessels since hostilities escalated, while the international community continues to regard the passage as open to global shipping.

With both sides maintaining hardline positions and global markets under strain, the prospects for a near-term resolution remain uncertain.

Robot dogs with Musk and Zuckerberg faces roam Berlin museum in Beeple installation

BERLIN — Robot dogs fitted with hyper-realistic silicone heads modeled after global figures, including Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, Andy Warhol, and Pablo Picasso, are roaming the Neue Nationalgalerie in Berlin as part of a new interactive exhibition by American digital artist Beeple, also known as Mike Winkelmann.

The installation, titled Regular Animals, features robotic dogs that move through the museum while capturing images of their surroundings using built-in cameras. The machines then “process” and print distorted visual outputs that reflect algorithmic interpretations of reality, which are sometimes ejected as printed paper images from the robots.

Each output is designed to reflect a stylized worldview based on the figure represented by the dog’s head. For example, the Picasso-themed robot generates Cubist-style distortions, while the Warhol version produces pop-art-inspired imagery.

Organizers describe the work as a commentary on how perception is increasingly shaped by algorithms and digital platforms rather than traditional human interpretation.

Beeple said the project reflects how cultural influence has shifted over time, from artists shaping public perception to technology leaders influencing what people see online through algorithmic systems. He noted that changes to these systems can be made instantly by platform owners, with wide-reaching effects on public discourse.

The exhibition curator, Lisa Botti, said artificial intelligence is one of the most influential forces shaping contemporary life and described museums as spaces for public reflection on technological change.

The work was first presented at Art Basel Miami Beach 2025 before being brought to Berlin.

Beeple is widely known for his daily digital art practice and for being one of the pioneers of contemporary NFT-based art. In 2021, his digital collage Everydays: The First 5000 Days sold for more than 69 million dollars at Christie’s, marking a milestone in the mainstream recognition of non-fungible tokens in the art market.

During the Art Basel 2025 presentation, Beeple distributed printed images produced by the robotic dogs to visitors, along with certificates labeled “100% organic GMO-free dog shit.” Some prints included QR codes that grant access to NFTs, allowing recipients to potentially trade or monetize the digital works.


Wala munang tuition fee hike, ayon sa CHED

MAYNILA — Sinabi ng Commission on Higher Education na pansamantalang hindi magtataas ng tuition fee ang mga higher education institutions sa bansa kasunod ng umiiral na krisis.

Ayon kay Shirley Agrupis, bagama’t nakatanggap ang ahensya ng maraming kahilingan mula sa mga paaralan para sa tuition increase, hinikayat nila ang mga ito na ipagpaliban muna ang naturang plano dahil hindi ito angkop sa kasalukuyang kalagayan ng ekonomiya.

Ginawa ni Agrupis ang pahayag sa isang pulong balitaan kaugnay ng ceremonial signing ng implementing rules and regulations ng Republic Act No. 11551, gayundin ng memorandum of agreement para sa Lifelong Learning Education Assistance Program na nakatuon sa mga Overseas Filipino Workers.

Tiniyak ng CHED na patuloy ang pakikipag-ugnayan nito sa mga higher education institutions upang tugunan ang mga usaping may kinalaman sa matrikula at iba pang bayarin, kasabay ng pagsasaalang-alang sa kapakanan ng mga mag-aaral at mga institusyong pang-edukasyon.

Trump discusses extending Iran blockade, presses Tehran to reach a deal

Washington, Dubai, Islamabad — Donald Trump has held discussions with oil industry executives on how to manage the impact of a potential long-term U.S. blockade of Iranian ports, as he pressed Tehran to enter into a new agreement amid a deepening standoff.

A White House official said the meeting focused on measures to stabilize global oil markets and cushion American consumers should the blockade extend for several months. The consultations came as diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict remain stalled.

The United States has intensified efforts to restrict Iran’s oil exports through a naval blockade, aimed at forcing Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global energy shipments. In response, Iran has vowed to continue disrupting maritime traffic as long as it faces military and economic pressure.

Oil prices reacted sharply to the escalating tensions, with Brent crude rising more than 6 percent to a one-month high on Wednesday, reflecting concerns over prolonged supply disruptions.

Washington and Tehran have exchanged public threats in recent days, while Pakistan has been working behind the scenes to mediate and prevent further escalation. A Pakistani source said both sides continue to communicate indirectly, with Iran requesting additional time to respond to U.S. observations on a proposed framework.

In a social media post, Trump reiterated his stance that Iran must agree to terms swiftly, criticizing its leadership for failing to reach a non-nuclear agreement. The U.S. administration maintains that Iran must abandon any pathway to nuclear weapons, while Tehran insists its nuclear program is intended for peaceful civilian use.

Iranian officials have rejected U.S. pressure. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf accused Washington of attempting to force Iran into submission through economic and military measures, calling instead for national unity.

The conflict has already imposed significant costs. A senior Pentagon official placed U.S. military expenditures at approximately $25 billion since hostilities intensified. The fighting has also resulted in thousands of casualties and widespread economic disruption.

According to Volker Turk, Iran has executed at least 21 individuals and detained more than 4,000 on national security charges since the conflict with the United States and Israel escalated two months ago.

Economic pressures within Iran are mounting. The national currency has fallen to a record low, while inflation surged to 65.8 percent for the period between March 20 and April 20, according to central bank data. Analysts warn that continued instability could further strain the country’s economy.

Iran’s latest proposal to resolve the crisis suggests postponing discussions on its nuclear program until after a formal end to hostilities and the reopening of shipping lanes. This approach falls short of Washington’s demand that nuclear issues be addressed at the outset of negotiations.

Meanwhile, U.S. intelligence agencies are assessing possible Iranian responses to various scenarios, including the prospect of Washington declaring a unilateral end to the conflict, according to officials familiar with the matter.

The leadership structure in Tehran has also shifted following the deaths of several senior figures, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, in earlier U.S.-Israeli strikes. Analysts say the rise of his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, has strengthened hardline elements within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Domestically, Trump is facing mounting pressure to end the conflict as fuel prices rise and public support declines. A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll showed his approval rating falling to 34 percent, down from 36 percent previously.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended the administration’s strategy in remarks to Congress, rejecting criticism from lawmakers and asserting that the campaign against Iran remains under control.

UAE to exit OPEC, signaling shift in global oil dynamics

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — The United Arab Emirates announced Tuesday that it will withdraw from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) effective May 1, a move expected to reshape the balance of power within the oil-producing alliance and influence global supply strategies.

The decision removes OPEC’s third-largest producer and comes amid longstanding tensions over production quotas. The UAE has repeatedly expressed dissatisfaction with limits it viewed as restrictive, particularly after investing heavily to expand its production capacity.

Analysts said the withdrawal reflects the country’s strategic push to maximize output. According to Capital Economics, the UAE has sought greater flexibility to increase oil production, signaling a broader loosening of cohesion among OPEC members. The bloc has already seen a departure in 2019 when Qatar exited.

Geopolitical considerations are also a factor. Relations between the UAE and Saudi Arabia, OPEC’s leading producer, have cooled in recent years amid differing political and economic priorities in the Middle East. Despite cooperation in past regional conflicts, including operations linked to Iran, the two Gulf states have increasingly diverged on key issues.

Market analysts do not expect immediate disruptions following the UAE’s exit. Global oil supply remains constrained due to ongoing conflict involving Iran, which has led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical transit route for roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil. Benchmark Brent crude prices traded above $111 per barrel on Tuesday, significantly higher than pre-conflict levels.

OPEC currently accounts for about 40 percent of global oil production, though its influence has declined in recent years as the United States expanded output. U.S. production has surpassed 13 million barrels per day, exceeding that of Saudi Arabia prior to the conflict.

U.S. President Donald Trump has consistently criticized OPEC’s role in influencing oil prices during his time in office.

The UAE, which joined OPEC in 1967 through the emirate of Abu Dhabi, had been producing approximately 3.4 million barrels per day before the outbreak of hostilities on Feb. 28. It is estimated to have the capacity to increase production to around 5 million barrels daily.

In a statement released via its state-run news agency, the UAE said it would also leave the broader OPEC+ alliance, a grouping that includes major producers such as Russia. The country emphasized that its decision aligns with long-term economic priorities and its evolving energy strategy.

“The decision reflects the UAE’s long-term strategic and economic vision and evolving energy profile,” the statement read, adding that increased production would be introduced gradually based on market demand.

Energy analysts noted that the UAE’s departure removes one of the few OPEC members capable of rapidly increasing output. Jorge Leon of Rystad Energy warned that reduced spare capacity within the group could make it more difficult to stabilize prices.

Tensions between the UAE and Saudi Arabia have also extended to economic competition and regional influence, particularly around the Red Sea. While both countries once collaborated in Yemen, their partnership deteriorated late last year following disputes over military actions and political alignments.

Further signs of strain have emerged in the media sector, with Saudi broadcasters scaling back operations in Dubai and relocating to the kingdom.

Karen Young of Columbia University Center on Global Energy Policy said the UAE’s exit underscores its desire for greater autonomy in dealing with key energy consumers, including China, while also positioning itself more competitively against Saudi Arabia.

Despite speculation of a rift, UAE Energy Minister Suhail al-Mazrouei said the move was not driven by conflict with Saudi Arabia, emphasizing continued mutual respect between the two nations.

Diplomatic signals, however, suggested some distance, as the UAE was represented by its foreign minister rather than its head of state at a Gulf leaders’ meeting in Jeddah hosted by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

The UAE previously hosted the COP28, where nearly 200 countries committed to transitioning away from fossil fuels. Nevertheless, the country continues to pursue expanded oil production alongside investments in renewable energy, a dual-track strategy that has drawn criticism from climate advocates.

Speaking at an energy conference in Abu Dhabi, U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum downplayed the concept of a traditional energy transition, arguing instead that global demand will continue to rise.

The UAE’s departure from OPEC marks a significant turning point for the cartel, raising questions about its future cohesion and its ability to manage global oil supply in an increasingly fragmented energy landscape.

House justice panel finds probable cause to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte

MANILA — The House Committee on Justice on Wednesday unanimously found probable cause to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte after consolidating two impeachment complaints filed against her, following four days of hearings that lawmakers said established sufficient grounds to proceed to trial.

Committee chairperson and Batangas 2nd District Representative Gerville Luistro said all 53 members present voted in favor of the finding, with no objections recorded.

The panel based its decision on testimonies and documents presented during hearings, which included allegations involving the disbursement of confidential funds, questionable receipts, and financial transactions flagged by oversight agencies.

Among the evidence cited were claims by detainee Ramil Madriaga regarding the alleged release of P125 million in confidential funds within a 24-hour period, as well as assertions that cash deliveries were made in Laguna, Quezon City, and the Office of the Ombudsman. Madriaga also signed a bank secrecy waiver during the proceedings.

The Commission on Audit reported the disallowance of P73 million in confidential funds in 2022, which was later upheld, and confirmed issuing three notices of disallowance in 2023 covering P375 million in confidential funds for the Office of the Vice President.

Representatives from the National Bureau of Investigation testified on alleged irregularities in acknowledgment receipts tied to confidential fund disbursements.

The Philippine Statistics Authority also informed the committee that several names listed as recipients of confidential funds, including individuals identified as Mary Grace Piattos, Milky Secuya, and Kokoy Villamin, had no civil registry records.

Lawmakers further cited the Vice President’s Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth from 2019 to 2024, which reportedly showed no declared cash holdings or bank accounts.

A report from the Anti-Money Laundering Council flagged approximately P6.7 billion in bank transactions linked to Vice President Duterte and her husband, Manases Carpio, spanning 2006 to 2025. The report categorized portions of the activity as suspicious transactions and noted multiple derogatory records.

The AMLC also cited confidential reports connecting both Duterte and Carpio to suspected involvement in drug-related allegations, graft, and misuse of public funds. It further stated that at least 18 transactions corresponded with earlier allegations raised by former senator Antonio Trillanes IV.

In addition, the National Bureau of Investigation said a video showing the Vice President making statements interpreted as threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his family may constitute inciting to sedition and grave threats.

Senior Deputy Minority Leader Leila de Lima said the evidence presented was more than sufficient to establish probable cause.

“This is not mere allegation. If we are talking about probable cause, the evidence presented is more than enough,” De Lima said.

She added that the totality of findings represented what she described as a serious red flag.

Luistro said the committee had afforded due process and multiple opportunities for the Vice President to respond, but noted that she did not attend the hearings to address the allegations.

“We have provided so much due process already,” Luistro said prior to the vote.

The impeachment complaints accuse Duterte of betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the Constitution, and other offenses, including alleged misuse of P612.5 million in confidential funds, alleged bribery, alleged accumulation of unexplained wealth, and statements interpreted as threats against the President.

The Vice President’s legal team said the committee’s finding was expected, arguing that the proceedings went beyond the scope of the verified complaints.

“This is not unexpected given the direction of the proceedings,” the defense said in a statement, adding that the process allegedly expanded beyond constitutional limits.

Amando Ligutan, counsel for one of the complainants, said the committee findings were a major step toward accountability.

He said the allegations and evidence showed strong grounds for impeachment and urged the swift transmission of the Articles of Impeachment to the Senate for trial.

Ligutan also criticized the alleged threats attributed to the Vice President, saying such conduct was incompatible with public office.

National Bureau of Investigation Director Melvin Matibag, who testified during the hearings, said a sitting Vice President is not immune from criminal prosecution, citing a Supreme Court ruling in Binay v. Ombudsman.

He added that the NBI is still awaiting action from the Department of Justice regarding its findings.

The House committee also moved to consolidate the two impeachment complaints into a single set of Articles of Impeachment and will prepare a committee report for transmission to the Senate, the complainants, and the Vice President.

Further hearings are scheduled for May 4 at the People’s Center.

Toxic runoff from upstream mining threatens Mekong livelihoods in Southeast Asia

CHIANG SAEN, Thailand — Along the banks where the Mekong River meets the Kok River, 75-year-old fisherman Sukjai Yana begins his day with dwindling returns. His catch, once abundant, has become increasingly scarce, reflecting a deeper environmental crisis unfolding across the region.

Communities in northern Thailand are grappling with the growing impact of toxic runoff linked to rare earth mining operations in upstream areas of Myanmar and Laos. Experts and environmental groups warn that contamination from heavy metals such as arsenic, lead, and mercury is seeping into the Mekong Basin, posing serious risks to fisheries, agriculture, and public health.

The Mekong River Basin supports tens of millions of people across Southeast Asia and underpins a multi-billion-dollar agricultural and aquaculture economy. Any disruption to its ecosystem carries far-reaching economic and food security consequences.

“The Mekong and Kok Rivers are both a source of food and income, which gives life to the people,” said Sayan Khamnueng of the Living Rivers Association. He described the contamination as the most serious transboundary environmental issue the region has faced to date.

Environmental monitoring in affected Thai provinces has detected elevated levels of heavy metals in water and sediment samples. While authorities have stepped up testing and community advisories, critics say the response remains largely reactive. Measures have focused on risk communication rather than containment or cross-border policy coordination.

The situation raises broader regional concerns, particularly for downstream nations such as Cambodia and Vietnam, where the Mekong’s waters are critical for rice production and inland fisheries. Contaminants introduced upstream can accumulate over long distances, affecting entire food systems.

Advocacy groups point to weak regulatory oversight in mining zones, especially in conflict-affected or remote areas of Myanmar, where rare earth extraction has expanded rapidly in recent years. These minerals are essential components in global supply chains for electronics, renewable energy technologies, and defense systems, increasing pressure on producers despite environmental risks.

Sangrawee Suweerakarn of the Romphothi Foundation warned of long-term social consequences if contamination persists. “If the pollution continues, future generations may be forced to abandon farming and fishing livelihoods and migrate to urban centers,” she said.

Regional bodies such as the Mekong River Commission have previously highlighted the need for stronger transboundary governance and data sharing among member states. However, enforcement mechanisms remain limited, and cooperation is often constrained by political and economic interests.

Scientists emphasize that heavy metals can persist in aquatic ecosystems for years, bioaccumulating in fish and crops and increasing health risks for communities reliant on river resources. Without coordinated intervention, the contamination could undermine both environmental sustainability and economic resilience in one of the world’s most productive river systems.

For fishermen like Sukjai, the changes are already tangible. Smaller catches and uncertain water quality signal a shift that extends beyond daily livelihood, pointing to a broader ecological imbalance with regional implications.

Fisherman Sukjai Yana catches a small fish from the Kok River in Chiang Saen, Thailand, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Anton L. Delgado) 

12 outstanding citizens sa San Pablo City, pararangalan sa Mayo 7

SAN PABLO CITY, Laguna – Labindalawang indibidwal ang pararangalan bilang mga namumukod-tanging mamamayan ng San Pablo City sa pagdiriwang ng ika-86 anibersaryo ng pagkakatatag nito bilang lungsod sa Mayo 7.

Gaganapin ang seremonya ng paggawad sa San Pablo City Convention Center, ayon sa pahayag ni Najie B. Gapangada, na siya ring tagapangulo ng Selection and Awards Committee.

Kabilang sa mga pararangalan si Francis E. Emralino para sa Science and Technology Education; Albina DG. Gutierrez para sa Educational Leadership; Edzel A. Ramos para sa Transformative Education; Jimmy V. Hernandez para sa Arts and Culture; Arsenia M. Emlano para sa Business Entrepreneurship; Frederick Nicasio M. Torres para sa Social Entrepreneurship; Susan N. Alcazar para sa Business Administration; Dr. Mercydina M. Caponpon para sa Health Services; Rendell R. Laluon para sa Youth Leadership; Mark Rome M. Race para sa Finance and Accounting; Police Senior Master Sergeant Ma. Danica Eve A. Camado para sa Police Community Relations; at Police Executive Master Sergeant Edwin A. De Mesa para sa Law Enforcement.

Ang Gawad ng Namumukod-Tanging San Pableño ay isinabatas sa ilalim ng City Ordinance No. 2015-49 bilang bahagi ng taunang pagdiriwang ng Charter Anniversary. Layunin ng parangal na kilalanin ang mga mamamayan na nagpakita ng natatanging ambag at dedikasyon sa pag-unlad ng kanilang komunidad, lungsod, at bansa.

Ang pagkakatatag ng lungsod ay ibinatay sa Commonwealth Act No. 520, na nilagdaan ni Manuel Luis Quezon noong Mayo 7, 1940. Samantala, idineklara naman ang buwan ng Mayo bilang Heritage Month sa bisa ng City Ordinance No. 2018-53.

Kabilang sa mga kasapi ng Selection and Awards Committee sina Rt. Rev. Monsignor Jerry V. Bitoon ng San Pablo Cathedral; Vladimir Asprec, publisher ng The Wednesday Herald; Lerma Prudente ng Cultural Center of San Pablo; Dr. Gerlie Ilagan ng Department of Education; at Roy Empalmado ng San Pablo City Tourism Council.

Ang kalihiman ng parangal ay pinangasiwaan nina Malu Migrino ng City Tourism Office at Rolly Inciong ng City Information Office, sa ilalim ng pangangasiwa ni An Mercado Alcantara, na namumuno sa mga espesyal na programa sa turismo, sining, kultura, at pamanang lokal ng pamahalaang lungsod.

Rotational brownouts dahil sa kakulangan sa diesel, ibinabala ng Napocor

MAYNILA — Nagbabala ang National Power Corporation na posibleng makaranas ng rotational brownouts ang ilang off-grid na lugar sa bansa bunsod ng kakulangan sa suplay ng diesel na ginagamit ng mga power producer.

Ayon kay Jericho Nograles, ang mga apektadong komunidad ay kabilang sa saklaw ng Small Power Utilities Group, na nangangasiwa sa pagbibigay ng kuryente sa mga malalayong isla at lugar na hindi konektado sa pangunahing grid ng bansa.

Ipinaliwanag ng opisyal na umaasa ang mga lugar na ito sa mga diesel power plant, ngunit nahaharap ang ilang operator sa hamon ng pagtaas ng presyo ng diesel, na nakaapekto sa kanilang kakayahang magpatuloy ng operasyon nang tuloy-tuloy.

Binigyang-diin ni Nograles na kung magpapatuloy ang limitadong suplay ng diesel, maaaring ipatupad ang rotational brownouts sa mga nasabing lugar. Gayunman, tiniyak ng ahensya na nananatiling sapat ang suplay ng kuryente sa iba pang bahagi ng bansa na konektado sa main grid.