Wednesday, April 29, 2026


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Humiling ang Pilipinas ng ‘non-hostile country’ status sa Iran para sa ligtas na pagdaan sa Strait of Hormuz

MAYNILA — Hiniling ng pamahalaan ng Pilipinas sa Iran na italaga ang bansa bilang isang “non-hostile country” upang matiyak ang ligtas na pagdaan ng mga barkong may bandilang Pilipino sa Strait of Hormuz sa gitna ng tumitinding tensyon sa Middle East.

Ayon kay Claire Castro, mahalaga ang hakbang na ito upang maprotektahan ang mga Pilipinong seafarer at matiyak ang tuloy-tuloy na suplay ng enerhiya ng bansa. Dagdag niya, tinatapos na ng Department of Energy ang mga detalye para sa agarang pagpapadala ng pormal na kahilingan.

Ginawa ang kahilingan sa pulong nina Tess Lazaro at Sharon Garin kay Iranian envoy Yousef Esmaeilzadeh, na inilarawan ni Castro bilang “exceptionally warm and open.”

Sinabi ni Castro na si Lazaro ang personal na naghain ng kahilingan, habang ipinahayag naman ni Esmaeilzadeh ang kahandaan ng Iran na tumulong sa mga partikular na pangangailangan ng Pilipinas. Napagkasunduan din ng magkabilang panig na idaan sa opisyal na diplomatic channels ang mga detalye upang mapabilis ang proseso.

Batay sa mga opisyal ng European Union na nagmomonitor sa rehiyon, nagsimula ang pagpapatupad ng Iran ng blockade sa Strait of Hormuz noong Marso, kung saan nagpadala ito ng mga radio warning sa iba’t ibang oil tanker.

Ang nasabing daanan ay itinuturing na pinakamahalagang ruta ng pagluwas ng langis sa mundo, kung saan dumadaan ang humigit-kumulang 20 porsiyento ng global supply ng langis at liquefied natural gas mula sa mga bansang Gulf patungo sa pandaigdigang merkado.

Inaasahan namang makikipag-usap si Lazaro sa Iranian Foreign Minister upang matiyak ang mga kasunduang ito sa pinakamataas na antas, ayon sa Malacañang.

Sa hiwalay na pahayag sa X, sinabi ni Lazaro na tinalakay sa pulong ang mahahalagang larangan ng kooperasyon, kabilang ang enerhiya, at binigyang-diin ang layunin na palalimin pa ang ugnayan ng dalawang bansa.

Nauna nang nagpahayag si Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ng hangarin na magsagawa ng high-level talks sa Iran upang matiyak ang ligtas na pagdaan ng mga barko ng Pilipinas sa Strait of Hormuz.


EU warns energy prices to remain elevated despite possible end to Iran war

NICOSIA, Cyprus — Oil and gas prices in Europe are unlikely to return to normal levels in the near term, even if the Iran war ends, the European Union’s top energy official said, citing sustained pressure on global fuel markets.

Dan Jørgensen, the European Union’s energy commissioner, said Tuesday that while the 27-member bloc is not facing immediate supply shortages, tightening conditions in global markets are driving up costs, particularly for diesel, jet fuel, and electricity.

“What I find extremely important is to state as clearly as I can, that even if that peace is here tomorrow, still we will not go back to normal in a foreseeable future,” Jørgensen said during a news conference following a meeting of EU energy ministers.

According to Jørgensen, the ongoing conflict has already led to a sharp rise in energy costs, with gas prices increasing by around 70 percent and oil prices by about 60 percent across Europe. The EU’s total bill for imported fossil fuels has also surged by €14 billion since the start of the war.

The European Union is now preparing a set of coordinated measures aimed at helping households and businesses cope with rising energy expenses. Jørgensen stressed the need for unified action among member states to prevent fragmented responses that could further disrupt markets.

The proposed measures, expected to be announced soon, include options to decouple gas prices from electricity pricing, as well as potential tax reductions on electricity—an idea backed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Jørgensen also said a one-time “windfall tax” on energy companies could be considered, although he does not anticipate a repeat of the 2022 natural gas crisis when firms recorded significant profits amid soaring prices.

He added that there are “good opportunities” for governments to provide financial support to vulnerable sectors and populations facing “extraordinary stress,” with the European Commission looking to simplify and expand such assistance.

The commissioner further urged EU countries to adopt measures outlined in the International Energy Agency’s 10-point plan, including remote work arrangements, reduced highway speeds, increased use of public transportation, and car-sharing initiatives to cut energy consumption.

Despite the ongoing crisis, Jørgensen reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to phasing out Russian gas imports, a policy designed to reduce reliance on Moscow and limit funding for its war in Ukraine. Dependence on Russian gas has already fallen from 45 percent before the conflict to around 10 percent, with plans to reach zero as alternative supplies increase.

The EU is exploring new energy partnerships with countries including Azerbaijan, Algeria, and Canada, alongside other smaller producers.

Jørgensen warned against repeating past mistakes that allowed Russia to leverage energy as a geopolitical tool, saying it would be “totally unacceptable” for the EU to continue purchasing energy that could indirectly finance the war in Ukraine.

Trump signals possible exit from Iran war, raises NATO withdrawal threat as oil crisis deepens

WASHINGTON — United States President Donald Trump said the US could soon exit its ongoing conflict with Iran, even without a diplomatic agreement, as global energy markets face escalating disruptions linked to the crisis.

“We’ll be leaving very soon,” Trump told reporters, indicating a possible withdrawal within “two weeks, maybe three.” He added that a deal with Iran was not a prerequisite for ending what Washington has called “Operation Epic Fury.”

The remarks came as the International Energy Agency warned that global oil supply losses in April could double compared to March, largely due to Iran’s effective closure of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. The disruption has already led to shortages of jet fuel and diesel, initially in Asia and expected to spread to Europe in the coming months.

At the same time, Trump escalated rhetoric toward the NATO alliance, suggesting the United States could withdraw if European members fail to help counter Iran’s blockade of the Strait. In an interview with the Daily Telegraph, Trump described NATO as a “paper tiger,” adding that he had moved beyond merely reconsidering US membership.

The conflicting signals from Washington reflect broader uncertainty surrounding the conflict, which has killed thousands, expanded across the Middle East, and triggered widespread economic repercussions. Businesses worldwide, including sectors such as cosmetics and tea, have reported mounting losses.

US officials have previously threatened to intensify military operations unless Tehran agrees to a proposed ceasefire framework, which includes halting uranium enrichment and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The White House said Trump would deliver a national address to provide further updates on the situation.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested that diplomatic progress remains possible, telling Fox News there could be a “direct meeting at some point” and that the US could “see the finish line,” though not immediately.

Meanwhile, violence continued across multiple fronts. Drone strikes hit fuel storage facilities at Kuwait’s international airport, sparking a large fire, while Bahrain reported a blaze at a company site attributed to an Iranian attack. In Qatar, an oil tanker linked to QatarEnergy was struck by a cruise missile, sustaining damage but causing no casualties or environmental harm.

Explosions were also reported in Tehran following US-Israeli air strikes, according to Iranian state media. Iran, in turn, has repeatedly targeted Gulf states hosting US military bases, further raising tensions in the region.

The strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas passes, has made its disruption a central concern for global markets. Despite earlier gains, oil prices fell more than 3 percent on Wednesday following Trump’s remarks about a potential US withdrawal, while regional stock markets posted significant gains.

Domestically, rising fuel prices are placing pressure on US households and posing political challenges ahead of the November midterm elections. A Reuters/Ipsos poll found that two-thirds of Americans believe the US should move quickly to exit the Iran conflict.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth urged allied nations to contribute to reopening the Strait, echoing Trump’s criticism of NATO members such as Britain and France. Rubio added that Washington would reassess its relationship with NATO after the conflict.

Reports also indicate that the United Arab Emirates is preparing to support efforts to reopen the Strait by force, potentially seeking backing from the UN Security Council.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards issued fresh threats against US-linked companies operating in the region, naming major firms including Microsoft, Google, Apple, Intel, IBM, Tesla, and Boeing.

The conflict has further widened, with Yemen’s Houthi forces launching coordinated missile attacks on Israel alongside Iran and Hezbollah. Israeli air defenses intercepted incoming threats, though debris caused damage in several areas.

In Lebanon, renewed fighting between Israel and Hezbollah has resulted in civilian casualties, while Indonesia has called for a United Nations investigation into the deaths of its peacekeepers following Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon.

As tensions persist, the trajectory of the conflict and its global economic consequences remains uncertain.

Pagbawas sa excise tax sa langis tatalakayin ngayong Semana Santa

MAYNILA — Tatalakayin ngayong linggo ng Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) ang posibilidad ng suspensiyon o pagbawas sa excise tax sa mga produktong petrolyo, ayon kay Pangulong Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. noong Martes.

“Noong March 25, nilagdaan ko ang Republic Act No. 12316. Itong batas na ito ay nagbibigay sa akin ng kapangyarihang suspindihin ang excise tax sa langis kapag kinakailangan,” ani Marcos sa isang video message.

Ayon sa pangulo, magtatagpo ang DBCC upang ipakita ang kanilang pag-aaral at rekomendasyon hinggil sa suspensiyon o pagbawas ng excise tax sa langis.

Sa ilalim ng Republic Act No. 12316, maaaring suspindihin o bawasan ng Pangulo, sa rekomendasyon ng DBCC at pakikipag-ugnayan sa Kalihim ng Enerhiya, ang excise tax sa mga produktong petrolyo kapag ang average na presyo ng Dubai crude oil batay sa Mean of Platts Singapore (MOPS) ay umabot o lumampas sa USD 80 bawat bariles sa loob ng isang buwan bago ang pag-utos ng suspensiyon o pagbawas.

Ipinapahayag ng batas na ang anumang suspensiyon o pagbawas sa excise tax ay may bisa lamang nang hindi hihigit sa tatlong buwan. Maaari rin itong ilapat sa piling produkto ng petrolyo at maaaring buong suspensiyon o bahagyang pagbawas sa excise tax ang ipatupad.

Kapag bumaba na ang presyo ng Dubai crude oil sa ilalim ng USD 80 bawat bariles sa loob ng isang linggo matapos ang isang buwang average, o matapos ang tatlong buwan ng pagpapatupad, awtomatikong babalik sa dating antas ang excise tax nang hindi na kailangan ng karagdagang utos ng ehekutibo o lehislatura.

Kinakailangan din ng mga kumpanya ng langis na magsumite ng buwanang ulat sa Department of Energy (DOE) tungkol sa mga bahagi ng gastos ng kanilang mga produktong petrolyo habang ipinapatupad ang suspensiyon o pagbawas.


Trump tells upset allies to ‘go get your own oil’ as US gas prices hit $4 a gallon

Former U.S. President Donald Trump drew criticism after telling allied nations to “go get your own oil” amid rising global fuel prices, as U.S. gasoline costs climbed to $4 per gallon.

The remarks came as tensions in the Middle East disrupted key supply routes, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, a vital corridor for global oil shipments. The situation has triggered renewed volatility in energy markets and placed pressure on economies dependent on imported fuel.

Trump’s comments were directed at long-standing U.S. allies, including countries in Europe, which have expressed concern over the escalating conflict but have not fully aligned with Washington’s stance. His statement underscored growing frustration within U.S. political circles over burden-sharing and energy security among allied nations.

“Go get your own oil,” Trump said, suggesting that countries should take more responsibility for securing their own energy supplies as geopolitical risks intensify.

Across Asia, the crisis has already affected a wide range of economies that rely heavily on imported energy. Countries such as the Philippines, Japan, South Korea, China, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, as well as smaller economies including Sri Lanka and Myanmar, are grappling with the effects of higher oil and fuel prices. Some nations have had to introduce conservation measures or fuel rationing to address supply shortfalls, while others are scrambling to secure alternative sources and strike bartered deals for LNG and LPG supplies.

Economists warn that Asia, heavily dependent on oil imports passing through the Strait of Hormuz, is particularly vulnerable to prolonged supply disruptions. The ongoing conflict has already intensified inflationary pressures and raised concerns over currency stability in several regional economies.

The convergence of geopolitical conflict, supply disruption, and political rhetoric is accelerating a broader energy challenge across Asia. Trump’s remarks highlight a shifting global dynamic in which energy security is increasingly treated as a national responsibility rather than a shared alliance concern. For many Asian economies, the situation is more complex. Limited domestic oil production and strong reliance on imports mean countries cannot easily secure an independent supply. As prices continue to rise, governments may face difficult choices such as expanding fuel subsidies, tightening monetary policy, or allowing inflation to affect household spending. Each option carries significant economic and political consequences in the months ahead.

Iran sets giant oil tanker ablaze off Dubai amid escalating tensions with US

Tel Aviv/Washington — Iran attacked and set ablaze a fully loaded crude oil tanker off Dubai on Tuesday, intensifying already heightened tensions in the region after warnings from US President Donald Trump over Tehran’s actions in key shipping routes.

The Kuwait-flagged tanker Al-Salmi was struck early Tuesday, according to its owner, Kuwait Petroleum Corp. The attack caused a fire and damage to the vessel’s hull, though no injuries were reported. Authorities in Dubai later confirmed that the fire had been brought under control.

The latest incident marks another escalation in a series of assaults on merchant vessels in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, where missiles and explosive drones have increasingly been deployed. The attacks come amid a month-long conflict that erupted following US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28.

The ongoing hostilities have spread across the Middle East, resulting in thousands of deaths, disrupting global energy supplies, and raising fears of a broader economic fallout.

Oil markets reacted swiftly to the tanker attack, with crude prices briefly spiking. The Al-Salmi, capable of carrying around 2 million barrels of oil valued at more than $200 million at current prices, underscores the scale of potential disruption to global supply chains.

In Washington, Trump reiterated his warning to Tehran, saying the United States would “obliterate” Iran’s energy infrastructure, including oil wells and facilities, if it failed to open the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global oil shipments.

Rising fuel costs are already affecting US consumers, with the national average price of petrol surpassing $4 per gallon for the first time in more than three years, according to GasBuddy data. The surge in prices has become a growing political concern for the administration ahead of the November midterm elections, as Trump has pledged to reduce energy costs and boost domestic oil and gas production.

In Europe, officials are bracing for prolonged instability in energy markets. European Union Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen urged governments to prepare for a “potentially prolonged disruption” as supply uncertainties persist.

Meanwhile, military actions continue across the region. Israel launched missile strikes targeting what it described as military infrastructure in Tehran, as well as sites linked to Iran-backed Hezbollah in Beirut. The Israeli military reported that four of its soldiers were killed in southern Lebanon, an area that has also seen the deaths of three United Nations peacekeepers from Indonesia in separate incidents in recent days.

With both sides showing no signs of de-escalation, concerns are mounting over the possibility of a wider regional conflict that could further destabilize global energy markets and economic conditions.

Indian LPG tanker takes unusual route to exit Hormuz

NEW DELHI — An Indian-flagged liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tanker took an unconventional and closely monitored route to safely exit the Strait of Hormuz after weeks of delay caused by escalating conflict in the region.

The tanker Pine Gas had loaded cargo at the United Arab Emirates’ Ruwais port on February 27, a day before the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran. Initially expected to return to India within a week, the vessel remained stranded for nearly three weeks as Iran imposed selective transit controls in the strategic waterway.

Chief Officer Sohan Lal said the ship’s 27-member Indian crew witnessed missiles and drones flying overhead daily while waiting for clearance. Video footage reviewed by Reuters showed multiple projectiles streaking across the night sky above the vessel.

According to Lal, Indian authorities placed the crew on standby around March 11, but worsening hostilities delayed movement until March 23. When clearance was finally granted, the tanker was directed to avoid the main shipping lanes of the Strait of Hormuz.

Instead, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) instructed the vessel to navigate a narrow and less commonly used channel north of Larak Island, off Iran’s southern coast. Lal said the route was recommended because the usual passage through the strait had been mined.

Indian authorities and the vessel’s owner, Mumbai-based Seven Islands Shipping, agreed to proceed only after securing the consent of all crew members.

“They needed a yes or a no from all crew,” Lal said. “Everyone onboard agreed.”

During the transit, the Indian Navy guided the tanker, with four warships escorting it for nearly 20 hours from the Gulf of Oman to the Arabian Sea. Lal confirmed that no transit fees were paid and that IRGC personnel did not board the vessel at any point.

The Indian Navy said it has been escorting Indian-flagged vessels after they cross the Strait of Hormuz, while the country’s foreign ministry noted that naval deployments in the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea have long been in place to help secure maritime routes for Indian and international shipping.

The Pine Gas, carrying approximately 45,000 metric tons of LPG, had originally been scheduled to unload at the west coast port of Mangalore. However, authorities later redirected the shipment to the eastern ports of Visakhapatnam and Haldia.

India relies heavily on imported LPG delivered by sea, with hundreds of millions of households using it for cooking, raising concerns over supply disruptions amid the ongoing conflict.

Iran has said it is allowing passage for vessels from “friendly nations,” including China, Russia, India, Iraq, and Pakistan. Despite this, only six Indian ships have successfully exited the strait so far, while 18 Indian-flagged vessels carrying about 485 Indian seafarers remain in the Persian Gulf.

Driver ng viral gas-and-run sa Quezon City, sumuko sa pulisya

QUEZON CITY — Sumuko sa Quezon City Police District (QCPD) ang driver na sangkot sa viral na insidente ng “gas-and-run,” ayon sa ulat ng QCPD noong Lunes ng gabi.

Ayon sa pulisya, ang 27-anyos na suspek ay sinamahan ng kanyang pamilya nang magtungo sa QCPD Station 1 bandang alas-8 ng gabi.

Nauna dito, sinabi ng mga awtoridad na nakilala na nila ang suspek at ang sasakyan sa pamamagitan ng forward at backward CCTV tracking at koordinasyon sa mga kaugnay na ahensya.

Batay sa imbestigasyon, tumigil sa pagmamaneho at iniiwasan ng suspek ang social media matapos pumutok ang viral video. Sinabi rin ng suspek na hindi niya alam na hinahanap na siya ng awtoridad at nanatili lamang sa kanilang bahay sa San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, kung saan nakatambak ang sasakyang sangkot sa insidente.

Ayon sa ulat, naganap ang insidente noong madaling-araw ng Linggo nang huminto ang suspek sa isang gasolinahan sa EDSA para magpa-full tank ng diesel sa kanyang multi-purpose vehicle. Bigla siyang humarurot nang hindi binabayaran ang P5,196 na fuel bill.

Sinabi ni Police Brig. Gen. Randy Silvio, direktor ng QCPD, na isinagawa ng mga imbestigador ang backtracking operations at natunton ang puting sasakyan sa pamamagitan ng CCTV footage.

Ayon sa QCPD, maghahain sila ng kaukulang kaso ng estafa sa pamamagitan ng regular filing sa Office of the Prosecutor.

Thousands of US paratroopers arrive in Middle East as military buildup intensifies

WASHINGTON – Thousands of soldiers from the United States Army’s elite 82nd Airborne Division have begun arriving in the Middle East, according to two U.S. officials cited by Reuters, as President Donald Trump weighs his next steps in the ongoing conflict with Iran.

The deployment follows earlier reports that the Trump administration was considering sending additional troops to the region, potentially expanding military options to include operations inside Iranian territory. The paratroopers, based at Fort Bragg in North Carolina, join thousands of U.S. military personnel already deployed, including sailors, Marines, and Special Operations forces. Over the weekend alone, approximately 2,500 Marines arrived in the region.

Officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, did not disclose the exact locations of the troop deployments but indicated that the move had been anticipated. The additional forces include elements of the 82nd Airborne Division headquarters, logistics units, support personnel, and one brigade combat team.

While no final decision has been made to deploy U.S. ground troops inside Iran, one official said the buildup is intended to enhance operational readiness for potential future missions. Among the options under consideration are efforts to seize Kharg Island, which handles about 90 percent of Iran’s oil exports. However, such an operation carries significant risks, as the island is within range of Iranian missiles and drones.

Previous discussions within the administration have also included the possibility of deploying ground forces to secure highly enriched uranium or to ensure safe passage for oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz. These scenarios could involve deeper and longer-term troop presence inside Iranian territory.

Speaking on Monday, Trump said the United States was in talks with what he described as a “more reasonable regime” to end the conflict, while reiterating warnings to Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face potential U.S. strikes on oil and energy infrastructure.

Any move to deploy ground troops could carry political risks domestically, given relatively low public support for the Iran campaign and Trump’s earlier commitments to avoid new military entanglements in the Middle East.

Since the start of operations on February 28 under Operation Epic Fury, U.S. forces have conducted strikes on more than 11,000 targets. The campaign has resulted in over 300 U.S. troops injured and 13 service members killed.

Malalaking taas-presyo sa diesel, dagdag suplay ng langis, at libreng toll sa CAVITEX inanunsyo

MAYNILA — Sunod-sunod na anunsiyo ang inilabas kaugnay ng sektor ng enerhiya at transportasyon ngayong Martes, Marso 31, kabilang ang malaking pagtaas sa presyo ng diesel, pag-angkat ng karagdagang suplay ng langis mula sa Russia, at pansamantalang libreng toll sa isang bagong bukas na expressway segment.

Nagpatupad ang ilang kumpanya ng langis ng malaking dagdag-presyo sa diesel na umabot sa P12.50 kada litro. Sa abiso ng Petro Gazz at Unioil Petroleum Philippines Corp., kaparehong halaga ang itinaas sa diesel, habang nadagdagan naman ng P2.50 kada litro ang presyo ng gasolina. Sa panig ng Seaoil Philippines Corp., P12.50 din ang itinaas sa diesel ngunit walang pagbabago sa gasolina, habang P2.00 kada litro ang itinaas sa kerosene. Naging epektibo ang mga bagong presyo alas-6 ng umaga, at inaasahan pang susunod ang iba pang kumpanya ng langis sa kahalintulad na adjustments.

Kasabay nito, inanunsiyo ng Petron Corp. ang pagbili nito ng 2.48 milyong bariles ng Russian crude oil bilang dagdag sa kanilang suplay, sa gitna ng lumalalang tensyon sa Middle East. Ayon sa kumpanya na pinamumunuan ni Ramon Ang, ang naturang hakbang ay isang “extraordinary emergency measure” at hindi bahagi ng kanilang karaniwang sourcing strategy.

Ipinaliwanag ng Petron na isinagawa ang procurement dahil sa “unprecedented geopolitical and supply chain disruptions,” at matapos umanong maubos ang lahat ng commercially at operationally viable na alternatibo. Tiniyak din ng kumpanya na sapat ang kanilang suplay hanggang Hunyo, at handa silang magdagdag pa kung kinakailangan. Nauna nang nakatanggap ang oil giant ng mahigit 700,000 bariles ng crude oil mula sa Russia noong nakaraang linggo. Sa kasalukuyan, hawak ng Petron ang humigit-kumulang 30% ng market share sa lokal na suplay ng langis.

Samantala, bilang tugon sa tumataas na presyo ng langis, inanunsiyo ni Ferdinand Marcos Jr. na libre ang toll fee sa bagong bukas na CAVITEX-C5 Segment 3B sa Parañaque City sa buong buwan ng Abril.

Ayon sa Pangulo, layunin nitong maibsan ang gastusin ng mga motorista, lalo na sa panahon ng Semana Santa. “Ito, toll free ito buong Abril, mula ngayon hanggang end of April. Para mapagbigyan ang ating mga kababayan na dumadaan dito lalong-lalo na ngayong Holy Week,” aniya.

Inaasahang makatutulong din ang pagbubukas ng nasabing segment upang mapabilis ang biyahe mula Taguig patungong Parañaque, mula sa dating isa’t kalahating oras ay magiging humigit-kumulang 15 minuto na lamang. Tinatayang aabot sa 36,000 motorista at commuter ang makikinabang sa mas maikling ruta at mas mababang konsumo ng gasolina.