Wednesday, April 29, 2026


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Walang taas-presyo sa mga pangunahing bilihin hanggang Abril 16, ayon sa DTI

Venus L Peñaflor
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Walang taas-presyo sa mga pangunahing bilihin hanggang Abril 16, ayon sa DTI

MAYNILA – Sa gitna ng pangamba sa epekto ng pagtaas ng presyo ng langis dahil sa krisis sa Middle East, sinabi ng Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) noong Sabado na nananatiling matatag ang presyo ng mga pangunahing bilihin, ngunit posibleng tumaas ito sa ikalawang kalahati ng Abril.

Ayon kay Trade Secretary Cristina Roque, wala pa silang naitalang pagtaas sa presyo ng mga pangunahing pangangailangan at pangunahing produkto. Saklaw nito ang humigit-kumulang 205 stock keeping units (SKUs) na ibinebenta sa mga supermarket, grocery, at online platforms. Ang mga produktong ito ay mananatili sa kasalukuyang presyo hanggang Abril 16, habang ang ilang items ay inaasahang hindi tataas ang presyo hanggang katapusan ng buwan.

“Walang price increase hanggang Abril 16. At patuloy namin itong i-uupdate. Kasi may mga ibang produkto na hanggang end of April, wala pong price increase,” ani Roque.

Nakipagpulong din ang DTI sa mga manufacturer at retailer na tiniyak na may sapat na supply at imbentaryo upang maiwasan ang agarang pagtaas ng presyo.

Kabilang sa mga produktong nasa monitoring list ang canned sardines, corned beef, cup noodles, bottled water, kape, gatas, ilang dairy products, at kandila.

Linaw ni Roque na hindi lahat ng produkto ay sakop ng listahan kaya posibleng magbago ang presyo ng ilang brands o varieties. Pinayuhan ang mga mamimili na suriin ang listahan ng basic necessities at prime commodities (BNPC) sa mga groceries at supermarket pati na rin sa opisyal na website at social media pages ng DTI.

Dagdag pa ni Roque, regular ang lingguhang pagpupulong ng DTI sa mga manufacturer at patuloy nilang imomonitor ang sitwasyon kahit lampas Abril 16.

Dahil sa kawalang-katiyakan kung hanggang kailan tatagal ang krisis sa Middle East at ang epekto nito sa global oil prices, sinabi ng DTI na anumang desisyon sa pagtaas ng presyo pagkatapos ng Abril 16 ay ibabatay sa patuloy na pagsusuri.

“Titingnan natin ulit, because weekly po ang usap namin with the manufacturers,” ani Roque.

Ang pahayag ni Roque ay kasunod ng ulat na may ilang supermarket na balak magtaas ng presyo simula Abril 1. Kasama sa mga produktong apektado ang pasta, noodles, canned goods, at candies.

Noong Biyernes, nilinaw ng DTI na ang awtomatikong nationwide price freeze sa basic necessities at prime commodities (BNPC) ay hindi pa ipinatutupad kahit na ideklara ni Pangulong Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. ang national energy emergency sa bisa ng Executive Order 110.

Ayon sa Republic Act 7581 o Price Act, ang presyo ng pangunahing bilihin sa isang lugar ay awtomatikong naka-freeze o sakop ng price control kapag ideklara ang lugar sa ilalim ng state of calamity, emergency, martial law, state of war, rebellion, o suspension ng writ of habeas corpus maliban kung may ibang pahayag ang Pangulo.

Matapos ang EO 110, nilinaw ng DTI na hindi kasalukuyang ipinatutupad ang nationwide price freeze sa bisa ng Price Act. Pinatindi naman ang pag-alerto ng mga consumer protection teams.

Dalawampu’t isang pangunahing manufacturer ng essential goods kabilang ang canned sardines, tinapay, bottled water, instant noodles, at kape ay pormal na nangakong panatilihin ang kasalukuyang presyo sa loob ng susunod na 30 hanggang 60 araw.


Houthis unleash missile barrage on Israel as Iran war intensifies

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Houthis unleash missile barrage on Israel as Iran war intensifies

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Yemen’s Houthi rebels have launched a barrage of ballistic missiles targeting southern Israel, marking their first direct strike since the outbreak of the United States-Israeli war on Iran.

Brigadier-General Yahya Saree announced the operation on Saturday via the group’s Al Masirah television channel, stating that the missiles were aimed at what he described as “sensitive Israeli military sites.” He added that attacks would continue until the group’s objectives are achieved and hostilities against allied fronts cease.

The Israeli military confirmed that it intercepted at least one missile. Air raid sirens were activated in areas around Beersheba and near Israel’s main nuclear research facility for the third time overnight from Friday into Saturday. Authorities reported no casualties or damage.

The strike followed earlier signals from the Houthis that they were preparing to enter the widening regional conflict. The Iran-aligned group, which has controlled the Yemeni capital Sanaa since 2014, had previously refrained from direct involvement in the current war.

The Houthis have, however, carried out extensive attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea during the Israel-Hamas war, disrupting a key global trade route. Between November 2023 and January 2025, the group targeted more than 100 merchant vessels using missiles and drones, sinking two ships and killing four sailors.

Deputy Information Minister Mohammed Mansour said the group could escalate further, including potentially closing the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a critical maritime passage linking the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden.

Analysts warn that such a move could significantly affect global trade. Reporting from Sanaa, Al Jazeera’s Yousef Mawry said approximately 30 percent of Israel’s imports pass through the Red Sea corridor, making the waterway strategically vital.

The situation could also complicate United States naval operations in the region, particularly the deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford, which recently docked in Crete for repairs. A return to the Red Sea could expose it to intensified attacks similar to those faced by other U.S. carriers in recent years.

Mohamad Elmasry described the Houthis’ entry into the conflict as highly significant, citing their demonstrated capability to disrupt major shipping routes. He warned that simultaneous closures of key chokepoints such as the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, the Suez Canal and the Strait of Hormuz would have far-reaching consequences for international trade.

Similarly, Ibrahim Jalal said the threat to maritime security is increasingly alarming, particularly if coordinated blockades emerge across multiple strategic waterways.

On the ground, the escalation is expected to add pressure on Israel’s ongoing military operations. Al Jazeera correspondent Nida Ibrahim reported that opening an additional front alongside conflicts involving Iran and Hezbollah could raise further domestic concerns over the conduct of the war.

In a separate development, Israeli Army Radio reported that nine Israeli soldiers were wounded in two rocket attacks launched from southern Lebanon.

Diesel posibleng pumalo sa P146 kada litro, LPG maaaring umabot sa P1,500 kada tangke

Venus L Peñaflor
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Diesel posibleng pumalo sa P146 kada litro, LPG maaaring umabot sa P1,500 kada tangke

MAYNILA — Pinangangambahan ang panibagong dagok sa mga konsyumer matapos lumabas ang magkahiwalay na ulat na nagsasabing posibleng sumirit ang presyo ng diesel at liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) sa mga susunod na linggo, bunsod ng patuloy na paggalaw ng presyo sa pandaigdigang merkado at tensyon sa Middle East.

Ayon sa isang source mula sa industriya ng langis, inaasahang magkakaroon ng panibagong double-digit na pagtaas sa presyo ng diesel sa susunod na linggo. Batay sa apat na araw na galaw ng Mean of Platts Singapore (MOPS), tinatayang aabot sa P11 hanggang P12 kada litro ang idadagdag sa kasalukuyang presyo.

Kung magkatotoo, maaaring pumalo ang presyo ng diesel sa pagitan ng P118 hanggang P146.30 kada litro. Sa kasalukuyan, nasa P107 hanggang P134.30 kada litro ang pump price ng diesel matapos ang kamakailang pagtaas na umabot sa P15 hanggang P18 kada litro noong Marso 24 hanggang 30.

Samantala, inaasahang mas banayad ang galaw ng presyo ng gasolina, na maaaring hindi magbago o tumaas ng hanggang P3 kada litro. Posibleng umabot sa P115.40 kada litro ang presyo nito kung magpapatuloy ang upward trend.

Kasabay nito, nagbabala rin ang LPG Marketers Association (LPGMA) na maaaring umabot sa P1,500 ang presyo ng isang 11-kilogram na tangke ng LPG pagsapit ng Abril. Iniugnay ng grupo ang inaasahang pagtaas sa pagmahal ng shipping costs, partikular dahil sa limitadong pagdaan sa Strait of Hormuz dulot ng kaguluhan sa Gitnang Silangan.

Sa kasalukuyan, naglalaro sa higit P825 hanggang mahigit P1,135 ang presyo ng LPG sa Metro Manila. Nauna nang sinabi ng Department of Energy (DOE) sa Senado na ang suplay ng LPG sa bansa ay maaaring tumagal lamang ng humigit-kumulang 25 araw.

Ayon kay Regasco President Arnel Ty, umabot sa apat hanggang limang beses ang itinaas ng shipping costs dahil sa epekto ng tensyon sa rehiyon. Dagdag pa rito, tumaas din ang contract price ng LPG ng $95 kada metric ton, o katumbas ng humigit-kumulang P5 kada kilo.

Batay sa kanyang pagtaya, posibleng tumaas ng P35 hanggang P40 kada kilo ang LPG sa Abril 1, na katumbas ng P385 hanggang P440 na dagdag sa bawat 11-kilogram na tangke. Kung ipapatong ito sa kasalukuyang presyo na nasa P1,100, maaaring umabot sa P1,500 ang kada tangke.

Gayunman, tiniyak ni Ty na walang dahilan para mag-panic ang publiko, dahil sapat pa ang suplay ng LPG sa bansa para tumagal ng 30 hanggang 35 araw.

Sa gitna ng mga inaasahang pagtaas, muling nahaharap ang mga Pilipino sa posibilidad ng dagdag-gastos sa araw-araw na pangangailangan, lalo na sa transportasyon at pagluluto.

G7 foreign ministers press for halt to civilian attacks, stress diplomacy in Iran war talks

EDGARDO HERNAL
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G7 foreign ministers press for halt to civilian attacks, stress diplomacy in Iran war talks

VAUX‑DE‑CERNAY, France — Foreign ministers from the Group of Seven (G7) nations on Friday issued a joint call for an immediate end to attacks on civilians in the ongoing war involving Iran, underscoring deep divisions over the conflict and the need for a diplomatic solution amid mounting global concerns.

Meeting at the historic 12th‑century Abbaye des Vaux‑de‑Cernay outside Paris, the G7 ministers representing the United States, Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Canada, and Japan, along with the European Union, adopted a statement urging a halt to hostilities that have devastated civilian infrastructure and disrupted energy markets. They also called for the restoration of safe, toll‑free navigation through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, which has been effectively blocked, contributing to surging oil prices and global trade disruptions.

Policymakers reaffirmed the importance of minimizing humanitarian harm and coordinating international efforts to cushion partners and civilian populations from the impact of the conflict. Their joint statement also emphasized broader economic repercussions including disruptions to energy, fertilizer and commercial supply chains.

The discussions took place against a backdrop of heightened skepticism among U.S. allies over Washington’s handling of the situation. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio faced persistent questioning from European counterparts who have expressed concern over the U.S. and Israeli military operations, as well as over the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Several ministers pressed for clarity on the aims and endgame of U.S. strategy in the Middle East.

European officials, including German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, reiterated that Europe is prepared to play a role in ensuring security in the Strait of Hormuz once hostilities lessen, while also advocating a stronger coordinated approach to both the Iran conflict and the ongoing Russia‑Ukraine war.

Allies also addressed interconnected global security challenges. Kyiv’s representatives at the meeting highlighted the risk that the Middle East conflict could divert attention from sustained support for Ukraine in its war with Russia, underlining the need to maintain focus and resources on multiple fronts.

Friday’s talks reaffirmed the G7’s commitment to diplomatic engagement and collective efforts to mitigate the wide‑ranging impacts of the Iran war, even as disagreements over strategy and shared burden‑sharing persist among allies.

Philippines-China cooperation talks muling binuhay sa gitna ng krisis

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Philippines-China cooperation talks muling binuhay sa gitna ng krisis

Fujian, China — Muling binuksan ng Pilipinas at China ang pag-uusap sa ilalim ng ika-11 Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) upang talakayin ang mga isyu sa West Philippine Sea at ang matagal nang inaabangang Code of Conduct (COC), kasabay ng tumitinding krisis sa enerhiya dulot ng giyera sa Gitnang Silangan at pagtaas ng presyo ng langis sa buong mundo.

Kinumpirma ni Leo M. Herrera-Lim, Undersecretary for Policy ng Department of Foreign Affairs, na isinasagawa ang dalawang araw na pagpupulong, kung saan kabilang sa mga tinatalakay ang posibleng kooperasyon sa larangan ng enerhiya upang mapalakas ang seguridad sa suplay sa rehiyon.

“Exploratory lang at best kung papayag sila na mag-exchange ng views on potential values for cooperation… whether it’s oil, fertilizer, food,” ani Herrera-Lim. Idinagdag niya na layunin din ng usapan na tuklasin kung paano magagamit ang kasalukuyang krisis bilang pagkakataon upang makabuo ng mga plataporma para sa mas matatag na energy security.

Sa hiwalay na pahayag, sinabi ni Ferdinand Marcos Jr. na bukas ang pamahalaan sa muling pakikipag-usap sa Beijing hinggil sa posibleng joint energy projects sa South China Sea. Samantala, iginiit ng embahada ng China sa Maynila na may “positive progress” na sa talakayan ukol sa posibleng sabayang eksplorasyon ng langis at gas.

Gayunman, nilinaw ni Herrera-Lim na ang oil exploration ay isang pangmatagalang proseso at maaaring hindi agad magbunga sa loob ng lima hanggang sampung taon. Sa kabila nito, binanggit niya ang iba pang oportunidad, kabilang ang pagkuha ng refined products mula sa China at ang paglinang ng renewable energy sa Pilipinas.

Inaasahan ding magpapatuloy sa BCM ang diskusyon sa COC, na layong magtakda ng mga alituntunin sa paggalaw at aktibidad sa South China Sea, at inaasahang makumpleto sa loob ng taon. Kasama rin sa agenda ang panukalang memorandum of understanding sa pagitan ng Philippine at Chinese Coast Guard, na hinihintay pa ang tugon ng panig ng China.

Ayon sa DFA, ginaganap ang ika-24 Philippines-China Foreign Ministry Consultations at ika-11 BCM mula Marso 27 hanggang 28 sa Quanzhou, Fujian, bilang bahagi ng patuloy na bilateral dialogue upang talakayin ang mga sensitibo at hindi sensitibong usapin, at tuklasin ang mga larangan ng kooperasyon.

Batay sa datos ng Department of Energy noong 2020, tinatayang may mahigit anim na milyong bariles ng langis at higit pitong bilyong cubic feet ng natural gas na hindi pa natutuklasan sa West Philippine Sea. Isa sa mga pangunahing lugar na may potensyal ay ang Recto Bank, na nasa loob ng exclusive economic zone ng bansa.

Gayunpaman, nananatiling malaking hadlang ang tensyong teritoryal sa pagitan ng dalawang bansa. Patuloy na inaangkin ng China ang halos kabuuan ng South China Sea, kabilang ang mga bahagi ng West Philippine Sea, sa kabila ng desisyon ng arbitral ruling noong 2016 na pabor sa Pilipinas, isang hatol na hindi kinikilala ng Beijing.

Trump’s Iran war prompts India to renew energy partnership with Russia

Venus L Peñaflor
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Trump’s Iran war prompts India to renew energy partnership with Russia

NEW DELHI — India is moving to deepen its energy ties with Russia just months after scaling back purchases of Russian oil, as rising global energy prices and geopolitical tensions reshape New Delhi’s strategic calculations.

In January, Indian negotiators reduced imports of discounted Russian crude in what was widely viewed as a concession to tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump. However, recent developments tied to the U.S.-backed conflict involving Iran have prompted a swift policy reversal.

Officials from India and Russia are now preparing for the potential resumption of direct liquefied natural gas (LNG) sales halted since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war, according to sources familiar with the discussions. A preliminary “verbal agreement” to pursue negotiations was reached during a March 19 meeting between Russian Deputy Energy Minister Pavel Sorokin and Indian Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri in New Delhi.

If finalized, the deal could be concluded within weeks, though it carries the risk of breaching Western sanctions. India has reportedly approached United States officials seeking a possible waiver.

Beyond LNG, both sides are also discussing expanding crude oil trade. Russian supplies could rise to account for as much as 40 percent of India’s total imports within a month potentially doubling January levels, according to sources.

India had previously become a major buyer of discounted Russian oil following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, purchasing nearly $44 billion worth last year. The trade has been crucial in sustaining Russia’s wartime economy but has also been a source of friction with Washington.

The renewed engagement comes as energy markets reel from escalating tensions in the Middle East. A U.S.-Israeli strike on Iran in late February triggered retaliation from Tehran, including attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint through which roughly half of India’s oil and LNG imports pass.

The disruption has already led to long queues at fuel stations in parts of India and shortages of cooking gas in some areas, underscoring the country’s vulnerability to supply shocks.

In response, Indian authorities have instructed energy importers to prepare for renewed purchases of Russian LNG. Officials maintain that securing stable energy supplies remains a top priority. “India chose the course that best served its national interests, anchored in a long-standing and trusted partnership with Russia,” said former ambassador Ajai Malhotra.

Despite decades of growing strategic ties with the United States, largely aimed at counterbalancing China, India has faced economic strain following Washington’s recent policy decisions. Tariffs of up to 50 percent on Indian goods, imposed by the Trump administration, forced New Delhi to reassess its trade and energy strategies. The US Supreme Court has since ruled those tariffs unlawful.

A government briefing dated March 20 warned that prolonged disruptions in Middle Eastern oil flows could trigger “higher inflation, a weaker currency and rising foreign debt” in India. It also projected export growth losses of up to four percent and a rise in wholesale inflation.

Meanwhile, Russia is leveraging the situation to expand its footprint in India beyond energy. Executives from state-owned grid operator Rosseti have proposed collaboration on power transmission projects, particularly in remote regions. Russian officials are also exploring increased air connectivity, with representatives from Pulkovo Airport studying the feasibility of new direct routes.

Trade between the two nations has also grown more efficient, with 96 percent now conducted in local currencies, according to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. Transactions in rupees and roubles can now be processed in as little as a day, signaling deepening financial integration.

As geopolitical tensions continue to reshape global energy flows, India’s renewed pivot toward Russia highlights the enduring influence of long-standing alliances in times of crisis.

Supply ng langis hanggang Abril lang; kinuwestiyon ang kita ng oil firms

Venus L Peñaflor
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Supply ng langis hanggang Abril lang; kinuwestiyon ang kita ng oil firms

MAYNILA — Kinumpirma ng mga kompanya ng langis na maaaring hanggang Abril na lamang tumagal ang supply ng petrolyo sa bansa dahil sa patuloy na kaguluhan sa Middle East, habang kinuwestiyon naman sa Senado ang umano’y bilyon-bilyong kinikita ng industriya sa gitna ng tumataas na presyo ng langis.

Sa pagdinig ng Senate committee sa ilalim ng Proactive Response and Oversight for Timely and Effective Crisis Strategy (PROTECT), inihayag ni Tanya Samillano, pangulo ng Independent Philippine Petroleum Companies Association, na ang fuel deliveries para sa kanilang mga miyembro ay nakatakda lamang hanggang Abril.

Kabilang sa mga miyembro ng asosasyon ang Eastern Petroleum, FilOil, SeaOil, UniOil, Flying V, at LiquiGaz.

Ayon kay Samillano, wala pang kumpirmasyon sa mga susunod na importasyon matapos ang Abril. “Future importation tenders haven’t been confirmed up to now. It’s on a ‘wait and see’. Although there are some offers available in the market, but the price is very high,” aniya.

Sinabi naman ni Pongtorn Tangmanuswong ng Chevron Philippines Inc. na ang kanilang imbentaryo ay tatagal lamang hanggang huling linggo ng Abril. “Right now, the issue is pretty much on the pricing. The supply is tight, but for Chevron, it’s still manageable at least for March and April,” pahayag niya.

Nagbabala rin si Lorelie Quiambao-Osial ng Shell Pilipinas Corp. na kung magpapatuloy ang tensyon sa Middle East, maaaring humantong ito sa limitadong suplay ng produktong petrolyo sa buong mundo.

Samantala, sinabi ni Johann Marc Aseoche ng Jetti Petroleum, Inc. na nahihirapan silang panatilihin ang suplay, na sa kasalukuyan ay tinatayang tatagal na lamang ng hanggang 20 araw. Gayunman, may paparating silang bagong shipment mula sa Malaysia, China, at South Korea.

“Fortunately, we have kept all our stations open. There is still adequate supply, so wala pa pong nagsasara sa aming network of stations,” ani Aseoche.

Tanging ang Petron Corporation ang nagsabing maaaring umabot hanggang Mayo ang kanilang suplay.

Sa parehong pagdinig, binigyang-diin ni Rodante Marcoleta na hindi umano bababa sa P3 bilyon kada araw ang kinikita ng mga oil companies mula nang sumiklab ang krisis sa Middle East, kasunod ng mabilis na pagtaas ng presyo ng diesel at gasolina.

Ipinaalala ni Marcoleta ang naunang pahayag ng Malacañang na mayroong hanggang 60 araw na imbentaryo ang mga kompanya ng langis. Gayunman, aniya, makalipas lamang ang dalawang linggo ay lumobo na sa mahigit 120 porsiyento ang itinaas ng presyo kada litro ng diesel at gasolina.

Batay sa datos ng Department of Energy, umaabot sa 32.5 milyong litro ng diesel at 23.3 milyong litro ng gasolina ang arawang konsumo ng bansa.

“So after two weeks, yung P55 per liter tumaas ng average na P125 (per liter)… nagkaroon ng increase ng P70 per liter… after two weeks that’s 127%,” paliwanag ni Marcoleta.

Dagdag pa niya, kung pagbabatayan ang konsumo, tinatayang umaabot sa P2.32 bilyon kada araw ang gross income mula sa diesel pa lamang. “Kasi kinuha po ninyo sa inventory. Wala pa naman ‘di pa naman umaangkat, two weeks pa lang ang nakakaraan [ng giyera],” aniya.

Sa gasolina naman, sinabi ni Marcoleta na mula sa P50 kada litro bago ang krisis ay umabot ito sa P80 kada litro matapos ang dalawang linggo, katumbas ng 67 porsiyentong pagtaas. Ayon sa kanya, nasa 4.5 milyong bariles ng gasolina ang buwanang konsumo ng bansa.

Kung pagsasamahin ang kita mula sa diesel at gasolina, tinatayang aabot sa P3 bilyon kada araw ang gross income ng mga oil companies sa loob lamang ng unang dalawang linggo ng krisis, ayon kay Marcoleta.

Sa kabila ng mga paliwanag ng industriya hinggil sa limitadong suplay at mataas na presyo sa pandaigdigang merkado, nananatiling sentro ng pagdinig ang epekto ng krisis sa Middle East sa lokal na suplay at presyo ng langis, pati na rin ang panawagan para sa mas mahigpit na pagbabantay sa galaw ng presyo ng produktong petrolyo.

U.S. extends pause on strikes against Iran energy sites as Tehran pushes back on terms

EDGARDO HERNAL
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U.S. extends pause on strikes against Iran energy sites as Tehran pushes back on terms

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The United States will extend its pause on strikes targeting Iran’s energy infrastructure for another 10 days, U.S. President Donald Trump announced, signaling a continued push for negotiations even as Tehran publicly rejects Washington’s terms.

The temporary halt covering key oil, gas, and power facilities will now run until April 6, 2026. The move, according to Trump, is intended to give diplomacy more time, with the U.S. leader saying talks are “going very well” and suggesting that a breakthrough could still be within reach.

However, the pause is limited in scope. U.S. military pressure on other targets may continue, underscoring that the measure is not a full ceasefire but a strategic window for negotiations.

Trump said the extension came following signals from Iran seeking more time, though he warned that military pressure could escalate again if no agreement is reached within the new deadline.

Iranian officials have publicly rejected the U.S. proposal, describing it as “one-sided and unfair,” while also disputing claims that substantive negotiations are underway. The response highlights a familiar pattern in U.S.-Iran tensions, where public rhetoric often diverges from behind-the-scenes diplomacy.

Despite the sharp rejection, diplomatic sources indicate Iran may still be open to indirect talks through intermediaries, suggesting that channels for negotiation remain active even as both sides harden their public positions.

The developments come amid a widening conflict that began on February 28, 2026, when U.S. and Israeli forces launched strikes on Iranian targets, escalating tensions across the region. Since then, the confrontation has raised alarm globally, not only due to mounting casualties but also because of its impact on energy markets.

Iran’s energy infrastructure is central to its economy and a key component of global oil supply. Any sustained attacks on these facilities risk triggering significant disruptions, with analysts warning of potential spikes in global oil prices and broader economic fallout.

By limiting strikes on energy sites, Washington appears to be balancing pressure with restraint—seeking leverage without provoking a full-scale energy crisis that could ripple far beyond the Middle East.

With Iran rejecting U.S. terms publicly and Washington maintaining the option to resume or expand strikes, the extended pause offers only a narrow window for diplomacy. Whether it leads to a meaningful agreement or simply delays further escalation will likely become clear in the days ahead.

Marcos maglalabas ng EO para bawasan ang fuel tax; 750,000 bariles ng langis dumating mula sa Russia

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Marcos maglalabas ng EO para bawasan ang fuel tax; 750,000 bariles ng langis dumating mula sa Russia

MAYNILA – Maaaring maglabas si Pangulong Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. ng executive order (EO) kung ititigil o babawasan ang excise tax sa mga produktong petrolyo sa Abril 12 o 13, ayon sa Department of Finance (DOF) nitong Huwebes.

Kasabay nito, nakatanggap ang Pilipinas ng unang shipment ng crude oil mula sa Russia sa loob ng limang taon, matapos makakuha ng pansamantalang waiver mula sa U.S. para sa mga nasabing importasyon. Ang oil shipment, na naglalaman ng higit 700,000 barrels, ay ipinadala sa Bataan at nakalaan sa Petron Corp., na nag-iisang oil refinery ng bansa.

Sa ginanap na pagdinig ng Senate Proactive Response and Oversight for Timely and Effective Crisis Strategy (PROTECT) committee, ipinaliwanag ni Finance Undersecretary Karlo Fermin Adriano na ang batas ay magkakabisa lamang 15 araw pagkatapos mailathala sa Official Gazette o sa pahayagan na may malawak na sirkulasyon.

Nilagdaan ni Marcos noong Miyerkules, Marso 25, 2026, ang Republic Act No. 12316, na nagbibigay sa kanya ng emergency powers upang suspindihin o bawasan ang fuel excise tax.

“Sa timeline po, kasi may 15 araw na publication at effectivity. Kaya ang pinakamaagang petsa na maaaring maglabas ang Presidente ng EO ay mga April 12 o 13 po, kung tama ang pagkakakalkula ko,” ani Adriano.

Ayon kay Adriano, magpupulong ang technical board sa Biyernes, habang ang pangunahing Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) ay magkikita sa simula ng susunod na linggo upang makabuo ng mga rekomendasyon para sa konsiderasyon ng Pangulo bago maging epektibo ang batas at mailabas ang EO.

Nakasaad sa RA 12316 na maaaring, sa rekomendasyon ng DBCC at pakikipag-ugnayan sa Kalihim ng Enerhiya, suspindihin o bawasan ng Pangulo ang excise tax sa gasolina kapag ang average na presyo ng Dubai crude oil batay sa Mean of Platts Singapore (MOPS) ay umabot o lumampas sa USD 80 kada bariles sa nakaraang isang buwan bago ilabas ang kautusan.

Nagpahayag naman ng pag-asa si Senator Bam Aquino na kikilos nang mabilis ang mga kaukulang ahensya, lalo na’t patuloy ang abala sa suplay ng enerhiya.

“Dito sa Senado, dahil binigyan namin ng prayoridad ang panukalang ito… at sa certification of urgency ng Pangulo, umaasa rin kami na kikilos tayo nang mabilis. At kung ang pinakamaaga legally ay April 12 o April 13, inaasahan namin na mangyayari nga ito by April 12 o April 13,” ani Aquino.

Ipinaalam naman ni Energy Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella na ang Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) ay magpupulong pa lamang sa simula ng susunod na linggo.

Ayon kay Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) Assistant Secretary Reynaldo Cancio, nagkaroon na ang UPLIFT ng unang internal meetings at nakikipag-ugnayan na sa Office of the President tungkol sa iskedyul ni Marcos.

“Inaanyayahan namin kayong kumilos nang mabilis dahil patuloy ang pagtaas ng presyo ng diesel at gasoline. Kung kada linggo tumataas ang presyo, dapat kada linggo rin kayong magpulong upang may update sa taumbayan,” ani Aquino.

Dagdag pa niya, “Ibig sabihin, crisis committee ang pangalan, kaya ‘pag crisis, kailangan mabilis tayong kumilos. Gumalaw na tayo.”

Naitaguyod ang UPLIFT matapos ideklara ni Marcos ang state of national energy emergency noong Martes. Layunin ng UPLIFT na magkaroon ng coordinated, whole-of-government response framework, kabilang ang pamamahala sa suplay ng enerhiya ng Department of Energy at mga kaakibat nitong ahensya, pati na rin ang mga hakbang upang suportahan ang mamimili at mga sektor na apektado.

Kasabay ng EO at UPLIFT, ang pagdating ng Russian crude oil ay naglalayong dagdagan ang suplay ng enerhiya at bawasan ang epekto ng global supply disruptions sa presyo ng gasolina at diesel sa bansa.

Ayon sa ulat, ang tanker na may bandila ng Sierra Leone na Sara Sky ay dumaong sa pantalan ng Limay sa Bataan bandang alas-2 ng hapon noong Marso 24, dala ang humigit-kumulang 100,000 tonelada o humigit-kumulang na 750,000 bariles ng ESPO Blend crude na kinuha mula sa pantalan ng Kozmino sa Far East, Russia, ayon sa datos sa pagpapadala mula sa mga analytics firm na LSEG, Kpler, at OilX.


Iran slams US peace plan as ‘one-sided,’ signals diplomacy still on table

Venus L Peñaflor
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Iran slams US peace plan as ‘one-sided,’ signals diplomacy still on table

A senior Iranian official has sharply criticized a United States proposal aimed at ending the ongoing conflict, calling it “one-sided and unfair,” even as Tehran signaled it remains open to continued diplomatic engagement.

The U.S. plan, which reportedly outlines multiple steps toward de-escalation, has drawn early resistance from Iranian leadership. According to the official, the proposal fails to meet Tehran’s minimum expectations and places disproportionate demands on Iran without offering clear or sufficient concessions in return.

“The proposal is one-sided and does not serve Iran’s interests,” the official said, underscoring concerns that the framework heavily favors Washington’s position.

At the center of the disagreement are provisions that would require Iran to scale back aspects of its military and defensive capabilities. In exchange, the proposal is said to offer sanctions relief, though Iranian officials argue that such incentives are vague and lack concrete guarantees.

“There is no balance in what is being offered and what is being demanded,” the official added.

The diplomatic standoff comes as Iran has tightened its control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping lane through which roughly a fifth of the world’s oil supply passes. Recent disruptions and restrictions in the waterway have raised global concerns over energy security and trade flows.

Iran has indicated that passage through the strait may be restricted for vessels linked to its adversaries, effectively increasing pressure on the United States and its allies.

The ongoing tensions in the strait have already disrupted shipments and driven volatility in global energy markets, highlighting the broader economic stakes tied to the conflict.

Despite the criticism of the U.S. proposal, Tehran has not rejected diplomacy outright. Iranian leaders are continuing to review the plan, and backchannel communications remain active through regional intermediaries.

“The door to diplomacy remains open, but the approach must change,” the official said, indicating that Iran would be willing to engage if a more equitable framework is presented.

At present, there are no confirmed direct negotiations between Washington and Tehran. Instead, countries such as Turkey and Pakistan are believed to be facilitating indirect exchanges in an effort to keep dialogue alive.

The latest developments underscore a fragile moment in the conflict, where escalating economic pressure, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, coexists with cautious signals that diplomacy remains possible.

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