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Pope Leo XIV condemns ‘illusion of omnipotence’ driving US-Israeli war in Iran

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Pope Leo XIV condemns ‘illusion of omnipotence’ driving US-Israeli war in Iran

ROME — Pope Leo XIV issued his strongest condemnation yet of the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, warning that a “delusion of omnipotence” is fueling the violence and urging global leaders to pursue peace through dialogue.

Speaking during an evening prayer service at St. Peter’s Basilica on Saturday, the pope called for an end to what he described as dangerous displays of power and the misuse of religion to justify war. The vigil coincided with the start of renewed face-to-face negotiations between the United States and Iran in Pakistan, as a fragile ceasefire remained in place.

“Enough of the idolatry of self and money. Enough of the display of power. Enough of war,” Leo said in a forceful appeal delivered before clergy, diplomats, and members of the faithful gathered inside the basilica.

Although he did not directly name Donald Trump or U.S. officials, the pope’s remarks appeared to respond to recent statements from Washington emphasizing military strength and, in some cases, framing the conflict in religious terms. Earlier in the week, Leo had described threats to “annihilate Iranian civilization” as “truly unacceptable,” signaling a shift from his initially cautious stance in the early weeks of the war.

Among those present at the service was Dominique Joseph Mathieu, reflecting the Vatican’s close attention to developments affecting Christian communities in the region. The United States was represented by a senior diplomat from its embassy to the Holy See.

The Chicago-born pontiff has gradually intensified his public appeals since the conflict began, moving from general calls for peace to more direct criticism of rhetoric and actions that escalate tensions. On Saturday, he urged people of goodwill worldwide to pray for peace and to demand that political leaders halt hostilities.

Leo said prayer could help “break the demonic cycle of evil” and counter what he described as increasingly aggressive and unpredictable global dynamics. He also warned against invoking religion to legitimize violence, saying that even the name of God is being used in narratives that promote destruction.

“God does not bless war,” the pope has repeatedly said in recent days, emphasizing that faith should not be used to justify military action, particularly those involving civilian harm.

The Vatican has expressed growing concern over the broader regional implications of the conflict, including its spillover into Lebanon, where fighting involving the Iran-backed Hezbollah has intensified. Church officials have warned about the vulnerability of Christian communities in southern Lebanon, where ongoing military operations have heightened fears of displacement and violence.

Saturday’s vigil in Rome formed part of a wider global observance, with simultaneous prayer gatherings held in multiple countries. As diplomatic efforts continue, the Vatican has maintained its call for restraint, dialogue, and a renewed commitment to peaceful resolution in one of the most volatile crises in the region.

Final offer falls flat as U.S.-Iran talks collapse and ceasefire hangs in the balance

Venus L Peñaflor
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Final offer falls flat as U.S.-Iran talks collapse and ceasefire hangs in the balance

ISLAMABAD (AP) — The United States and Iran ended high-stakes face-to-face talks without an agreement, deepening uncertainty over a fragile two-week ceasefire set to expire on April 22 and raising fears of renewed conflict across the Middle East.

The negotiations, which stretched for 21 hours under Pakistani mediation, were described by U.S. officials as a decisive moment in diplomacy. U.S. Vice President JD Vance characterized Washington’s proposal as its “final and best offer,” signaling a possible turning point after weeks of war and failed negotiations.

American officials said the talks collapsed over Iran’s refusal to commit to abandoning any pathway to a nuclear weapon.
“We need to see an affirmative commitment that they will not seek a nuclear weapon, and they will not seek the tools that would enable them to quickly achieve a nuclear weapon,” Vance said after the talks.

Iran, however, rejected the U.S. position and blamed Washington for the breakdown. Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, who led Tehran’s delegation, said it was now up to the United States “to decide whether it can gain our trust or not.”

While Iran has long denied pursuing nuclear weapons, it has insisted on its right to a civilian nuclear program. Iranian officials also signaled a hardening stance following the failed talks, with indications that no new negotiations are currently planned, casting doubt on the future of diplomatic engagement.

Neither side has clarified what will happen once the 14-day ceasefire lapses, and concerns are mounting that hostilities could resume. Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar urged both parties to maintain the truce and said Islamabad would continue efforts to revive dialogue.

“It is imperative that the parties continue to uphold their commitment to ceasefire,” Dar said.

Despite these calls, the impasse underscores how little progress was made, with both sides maintaining entrenched positions and placing responsibility on the other.

The diplomatic breakdown has already begun to ripple across global markets. Concerns over Iran’s continued control of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly a fifth of the world’s traded oil typically passes, have intensified fears of prolonged disruption to energy supplies.

Oil prices and Gulf markets showed signs of volatility as investors reacted to the increased likelihood that the ceasefire could collapse without a political resolution.

Iran’s closure of the strait remains its most significant leverage in the conflict, effectively restricting access to the Persian Gulf and amplifying global economic uncertainty.

Since fighting erupted on Feb. 28 following military actions involving the United States and Israel, the conflict has killed thousands across the region. Casualties include at least 3,000 in Iran, 2,020 in Lebanon, 23 in Israel, and more than a dozen in Gulf Arab states, with widespread infrastructure damage reported.

Tensions remain particularly high in Lebanon, where Israeli forces continue to strike targets linked to Hezbollah despite the ceasefire framework. A reported airstrike Sunday in the southern village of Maaroub killed six people, according to Lebanese state media.

The failed talks reflected deep divisions between the two sides. Iran’s 10-point proposal called for a guaranteed end to the war, control over the Strait of Hormuz, and a halt to attacks on its regional allies, including Hezbollah.

By contrast, the U.S. proposal reportedly included strict monitoring mechanisms, a rollback of Iran’s nuclear program, and provisions to reopen the strait to global shipping.

The wide gap between these positions ultimately proved insurmountable.

While Iran has indicated openness to dialogue in principle, its latest signals suggest a pause or even a halt in formal negotiations. Still, officials on both sides have not ruled out indirect or backchannel communication.

International leaders have begun urging both Washington and Tehran to return to the negotiating table, warning that a collapse of diplomacy could have far-reaching geopolitical and economic consequences.

For now, however, the failure of what may have been the most critical round of talks leaves the region on edge, with the fate of the ceasefire and prospects for peace uncertain.

Malaking rollback sa presyo ng gasolina, epektibo sa Abril 14

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Malaking rollback sa presyo ng gasolina, epektibo sa Abril 14

MAYNILA — Inanunsyo ni Pangulong Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. nitong Linggo ang malaking bawas sa presyo ng produktong petrolyo sa bansa na inaasahang epektibo sa Martes, Abril 14, 2026, kasunod ng abiso ng Department of Energy (DOE).

Ayon sa Pangulo, inaasahang bababa ng higit ₱20 kada litro ang diesel, habang ₱4.43 naman ang ibabawas sa presyo ng gasolina at ₱8.50 sa kerosene.

“Simula Martes, April 14, may malaking rollback sa presyo ng langis. Mahigit ₱20 ang ibababa sa diesel. Ang gasolina naman, may bawas na ₱4.43 kada litro. At sa kerosene, ₱8.50 kada litro ang ibababa,” pahayag ni Marcos.

Nauna nang inihayag ng DOE na posibleng umabot sa ₱20.89 kada litro ang bawas sa diesel, habang kapareho ng anunsyo ng Pangulo ang inaasahang rollback sa gasolina at kerosene.

Ayon sa mga obserbasyon sa pandaigdigang merkado, ang malakihang rollback ay iniuugnay sa patuloy na pagbaba ng presyo ng krudo sa gitna ng pagluwag ng supply at pagbabago sa demand ng mga pangunahing ekonomiya. Gayunman, nananatiling sensitibo ang merkado sa mga tensyon sa Middle East, partikular sa patuloy na hidwaan sa pagitan ng United States, Israel, at Iran na nagdudulot ng pabago-bagong galaw sa supply ng langis.

Sa mga nakalipas na linggo, ang mga alalahanin sa posibleng pagkaputol ng daloy ng langis sa mga kritikal na ruta gaya ng Strait of Hormuz ay nagdulot ng pansamantalang pagtaas ng presyo sa pandaigdigang pamilihan. Subalit habang nananatiling may mga diplomatic efforts at pansamantalang may ceasefire, muling bumaba ang presyuhan ng krudo sa pandaigdigang kalakalan.

Sinabi ng mga economic analyst na ang kasalukuyang rollback ay maaaring magbigay ng pansamantalang ginhawa sa mga konsyumer, ngunit posibleng muling tumaas sakaling lumala ang sitwasyon sa Middle East.

Patuloy na binabantayan ng mga awtoridad ang galaw ng presyo ng langis habang inaasahan ng publiko ang epekto nito sa pamasahe at presyo ng mga pangunahing bilihin sa mga susunod na araw.

U.S.-Iran talks collapse after 21 hours in Pakistan as nuclear deadlock derails peace push

EDGARDO HERNAL
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U.S.-Iran talks collapse after 21 hours in Pakistan as nuclear deadlock derails peace push

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — United States Vice President JD Vance announced on Sunday that marathon negotiations with Iran concluded without a peace agreement after 21 hours of talks, as both sides failed to bridge major differences over Tehran’s nuclear program and regional security demands.

Speaking to reporters in Islamabad, Vance said the Iranian delegation refused to accept Washington’s core condition that Iran must permanently forgo developing nuclear weapons and the capabilities that could enable rapid weaponization.

“The simple fact is that we need to see an affirmative commitment that they will not seek a nuclear weapon,” Vance said, adding that this remains the central objective of the US administration.

The third round of face-to-face talks ended days after a fragile two-week ceasefire was announced in a conflict that has now entered its seventh week and has left thousands dead while destabilizing global markets and energy supplies.

Vance said he remained in constant contact with US President Donald Trump throughout the negotiations, speaking with him multiple times over the 21-hour session, along with senior officials including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and US Central Command leadership.

“We were constantly in communication with the team because we were negotiating in good faith,” Vance said, adding that Washington had presented what he described as its “final and best offer” to Tehran.

He did not confirm what would happen after the current ceasefire period expires, although Trump had earlier indicated a two-week pause in military action.

Two Pakistani officials said discussions were expected to continue after a break, with some technical teams still engaged in parallel meetings. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to brief the media.

Meanwhile, regional tensions remained high as US naval forces reported destroyers had transited the Strait of Hormuz ahead of mine-clearing operations, a development denied by Iranian state media quoting military officials.

Trump told reporters separately that US forces were “clearing out” the strategic waterway, while Iranian state television described ongoing differences as “serious.”

The Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy corridor, has been heavily affected by the conflict, with Iran’s control over the passage disrupting oil and gas shipments and contributing to rising global energy prices.

The conflict, now in its seventh week, has resulted in heavy casualties across the region, including thousands of deaths in Iran and Lebanon, as well as casualties in Israel and Gulf Arab states, according to regional officials and health authorities.

Diplomatic sources said representatives from China, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar were in Islamabad to assist indirect coordination efforts amid the stalled negotiations.

Iranian officials told state media they entered talks with “deep distrust,” citing ongoing Israeli strikes and calling for guarantees that include the release of frozen assets and compensation for war-related damage.

The latest round of negotiations marks one of the most direct high-level engagements between Washington and Tehran in years, involving Vance and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf.

Despite the lack of agreement, officials indicated that technical discussions and diplomatic contacts could continue as international pressure grows to prevent further escalation in the region.

Overcrowded tourist boat capsizes in India’s Yamuna River, at least 10 dead

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
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Overcrowded tourist boat capsizes in India’s Yamuna River, at least 10 dead

LUCKNOW, India — At least 10 people were killed after an overcrowded tourist boat capsized in the Yamuna River in northern India on Friday, authorities said, in the latest fatal river accident in the country.

The incident occurred near Vrindavan, a major Hindu pilgrimage destination in Uttar Pradesh state, known for drawing large numbers of domestic and international visitors.

Officials said the privately operated vessel, designed to carry about 15 passengers, was transporting roughly 25 people when it overturned midstream. Preliminary findings suggest that strong winds destabilized the boat before it struck a pontoon bridge and capsized.

Senior administrative officer Chandraprakash Singh said 15 people were rescued from the river, including four who remain in critical condition. All of the confirmed dead were Indian nationals, and six were women, he added.

Rescue operations were carried out by local authorities and emergency teams, while search efforts continued to account for possible missing passengers. Officials also noted that most passengers were not wearing life jackets at the time of the accident.

Investigators said early observations point to overcrowding and poor vessel maintenance as contributing factors. The boat operator reportedly fled the scene following the capsizing and is now being sought by authorities.

The passengers were part of a larger group of around 150 tourists visiting the area, according to officials.

Boating accidents remain a recurring safety concern in India, where regulatory enforcement is often inconsistent and many vessels operate beyond capacity without adequate safety equipment. In 2023, a similar incident in southern India killed at least 22 people after a tourist boat capsized.

Authorities have launched a formal investigation into the latest tragedy as rescue and recovery efforts continue along the riverbanks.

San Pablo condemns defacement of historic ‘hagdang bato’ at Sampaloc Lake

Venus L Peñaflor
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San Pablo condemns defacement of historic ‘hagdang bato’ at Sampaloc Lake

SAN PABLO CITY, Laguna – The local government of San Pablo City has strongly condemned the recent defacement of the historic “hagdang bato,” a concrete stairway dating back to the American colonial period, located near Sampaloc Lake.

In a statement released through the City Information Office, authorities confirmed that portions of the structure were damaged by still unidentified individuals. The city government said an investigation is ongoing to determine those responsible, while efforts are being prepared to restore the affected sections of the landmark.

Constructed in 1915, the “hagdang bato” serves as a key access point connecting the lakeside promenade to surrounding areas. It has long been regarded as a cultural and historical icon of the city, reflecting the urban development of San Pablo during the American era and its identity as the “City of Seven Lakes.”

Historical records show that the structure has endured damage in the past, including during World War II, before undergoing rehabilitation in 1965. Over the decades, it has remained a prominent public space and a recognizable symbol for residents and visitors alike.

Local officials emphasized that the recent act of vandalism not only damaged public property but also violated national heritage protection laws. The city government reminded the public that such actions fall under Republic Act No. 10066, which safeguards cultural properties, as amended by Republic Act No. 11961.

Under these laws, the destruction or defacement of cultural and historical sites may carry penalties, including fines and imprisonment, depending on the extent of damage and the classification of the heritage structure.

Initial reports circulating online also indicated that aside from the stairs, a marker within the site may have been damaged, further raising concern among heritage advocates and residents.

The city government called on the public to help protect local heritage sites and report any information that may assist in the investigation. Officials also reiterated the importance of preserving historical landmarks, especially those that form part of San Pablo’s heritage zone, which includes structures from both the Spanish and American periods.

Restoration work is expected to begin once assessments are completed, as authorities aim to return the structure to its original condition while reinforcing measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The city government said an investigation is ongoing to determine those responsible, while efforts are being prepared to restore the affected sections of the landmark.


US-Iran talks in Pakistan stretch into extended sessions with no deal yet

EDGARDO HERNAL
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US-Iran talks in Pakistan stretch into extended sessions with no deal yet

ISLAMABAD — High-stakes negotiations involving the United States, Iran, and Pakistan entered extended sessions into early Sunday in Islamabad, as diplomats pushed to stabilize a fragile ceasefire while hostilities and tensions continued across the region.

The talks, which began Saturday, have already stretched for more than nine hours and proceeded through multiple rounds, reflecting both urgency and deep divisions between the parties. The meetings follow earlier indirect engagements and separate discussions with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Iranian state media said the trilateral talks moved forward after a reduction in Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon and the fulfillment of key preconditions set by Tehran. Washington has yet to issue formal confirmation of the negotiations, although senior US officials are widely reported to be participating.

The American delegation is led by Vice President JD Vance, while Iran’s team is headed by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. Officials say the discussions are focused on sustaining the ceasefire and exploring broader pathways toward de-escalation.

Diplomatic sources describe the talks as historically significant, marking rare direct engagement between Washington and Tehran after decades of strained relations. However, negotiators caution that no agreement has yet been reached, particularly on Iran’s key demands, which its officials continue to frame as non-negotiable.

Iran has reiterated elements of its earlier 10-point proposal, calling for a permanent end to hostilities, the lifting of economic sanctions, and guarantees for its regional allies, including a halt to Israeli strikes on Hezbollah. The United States has countered with a 15-point framework that includes restrictions on Iran’s nuclear program and measures to ensure unimpeded access through the Strait of Hormuz.

The scope of the negotiations has expanded beyond ceasefire terms, now encompassing maritime security, nuclear issues, and the ongoing Israel-Hezbollah conflict in Lebanon, underscoring the complexity of the diplomatic effort.

Even as talks continue, military tensions remain high. Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon persisted on Saturday, with Lebanese state media reporting additional casualties. The continued violence has cast doubt on the durability of the ceasefire and complicated efforts to secure a lasting agreement.

Developments in the Strait of Hormuz have further heightened stakes. The United States has begun mine-clearing operations in the strategic waterway, a move aimed at restoring global shipping flows. Iran, however, has warned it would respond forcefully to any perceived military escalation in the area, raising concerns of a broader confrontation.

The wider conflict has caused significant casualties, with reports indicating at least 3,000 deaths in Iran, 1,953 in Lebanon, and 23 in Israel, along with additional fatalities in Gulf Arab states. It has also severely disrupted global energy markets and trade routes, with maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz still well below pre-conflict levels, although some oil tankers have recently resumed passage.

In Tehran, public sentiment remains mixed. Residents expressed cautious hope that the talks could lead to de-escalation, while others voiced skepticism, noting the extensive damage and economic hardship caused by weeks of sustained strikes.

US President Donald Trump, speaking ahead of the negotiations, said Iran was in a weakened negotiating position and warned against delays. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, part of the delegation in Islamabad, said Tehran was entering the talks with “deep distrust” and warned of retaliation if attacks resume.

Security in Islamabad remained tight throughout the negotiations, with major roads sealed and residents advised to stay indoors as authorities worked to secure the diplomatic process.

Parallel efforts are also underway, with separate Israel-Lebanon talks expected in Washington in the coming days. However, unresolved issues, including Hezbollah’s disarmament and continued Israeli operations, continue to threaten broader diplomatic progress.

As negotiations continue, officials say the outcome of the Islamabad talks will be critical in determining whether the current ceasefire can hold or if the region risks slipping back into wider conflict.

Dumating ang higit 300,000 bariles ng diesel sa Pilipinas sa gitna ng krisis sa Middle East

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Dumating ang higit 300,000 bariles ng diesel sa Pilipinas sa gitna ng krisis sa Middle East

TAGUIG CITY – Inanunsyo ni Energy Secretary Sharon Garin noong Sabado ang pagdating sa bansa ng mahigit 300,000 bariles ng diesel na inangkat ng pamahalaan upang palakasin ang suplay ng langis habang nagpapatuloy ang krisis sa Middle East.

Sa isang pahayag, sinabi ni Garin na ang kargamento mula sa Malaysia, na inangkat ng Philippine National Oil Company-Exploration Corp. (PNOC-EC), ay umabot sa 329,000 bariles o higit sa 52 milyong litro ng diesel. Ayon sa kanya, layunin ng shipment na madagdagan ang reserbang suplay ng bansa habang hindi pa natatapos ang kaguluhan sa rehiyon.

“Dumating na!” ani Garin sa isang Facebook post.

Bahagi ang naturang delivery ng kabuuang 900,000 bariles ng diesel na inaasahang darating ngayong Abril sa tatlong magkakahiwalay na batch na tig-300,000 bariles. Inaasahan naman na darating ang susunod na dalawang batch sa ikalawa at ikatlong linggo ng buwan, na manggagaling sa North Asia o India at sa Oman.

Ang 900,000 bariles na ito ay bahagi rin ng mas malaking order na 1.042 milyong bariles ng diesel. Sa kabuuang bilang na ito, 142,000 bariles ang naunang dumating mula Japan noong Marso 26.

Ayon sa Department of Energy, ang pinakahuling shipment ay bahagi ng mas pinalawak na oil diplomacy ng pamahalaan alinsunod sa direktiba ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. sa ilalim ng Executive Order No. 110.

Sinabi ni Garin na ang pagdating ng diesel mula Malaysia ay nagpapalakas sa kakayahan ng bansa na matiyak ang sapat na suplay sa gitna ng patuloy na pagbabago sa sitwasyon sa Middle East at ng mga panlabas na panganib.

Dagdag pa niya, nagsasagawa ang pamahalaan ng mga hakbang upang tiyakin ang sapat na imbentaryo ng langis, suportahan ang mahahalagang sektor, at maiwasan ang posibleng kakulangan sa suplay sa pandaigdigang merkado.

Batay sa datos ng DOE noong Abril 3, mayroong 75.052 milyong litro ng kabuuang suplay ng langis ang bansa na tinatayang tatagal ng hanggang 50 araw. Sa diesel naman, mayroong 2.516 milyong litro o katumbas ng humigit-kumulang 47.26 araw na suplay.

Tiniyak ng DOE na patuloy nitong babantayan ang antas ng imbentaryo, makikipag-ugnayan sa mga ahensya ng pamahalaan at mga stakeholder sa industriya, at sisiguruhin ang maayos na distribusyon ng mga darating pang suplay upang maiwasan ang pagkaantala na maaaring makaapekto sa transportasyon, logistics, power generation, at iba pang mahahalagang sektor ng ekonomiya.

Binigyang-diin din ng ahensya na nananatiling vulnerable ang Pilipinas, bilang isang net importer ng produktong petrolyo na maaaring makaapekto sa presyo at suplay ng langis. Bilang tugon, patuloy umanong kikilos ang pamahalaan upang mapanatili ang sapat na suplay, maayos na galaw ng merkado, at mapangalagaan ang kapakanan ng mga mamimili.

Mojtaba Khamenei reportedly recovering from serious injuries following Tehran airstrike

Venus L Peñaflor
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Mojtaba Khamenei reportedly recovering from serious injuries following Tehran airstrike

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is reportedly recovering from severe injuries sustained during an airstrike in Tehran that occurred at the start of the conflict involving US and Israeli forces, according to a report by Reuters citing individuals described as close to his inner circle.

The report said the February 28 strike targeted the Supreme Leader’s compound in Tehran on the first day of the war. It allegedly resulted in the death of his father and predecessor, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and left Mojtaba Khamenei with serious injuries to his face and at least one leg. There has been no official confirmation from Iranian authorities regarding the extent of his injuries or the reported death of Ali Khamenei.

Sources cited in the report said the 56-year-old leader remains in recovery but is mentally alert. They also claimed he continues to take part in key decision-making processes through audio conferencing, including matters related to the ongoing conflict and diplomatic negotiations.

Despite his reported condition, Mojtaba Khamenei’s current whereabouts and overall ability to govern remain unclear. Speculation has increased due to the absence of verified photos, video, or audio recordings of him since the reported airstrike and his subsequent emergence in leadership discussions on March 8.

Iran has not issued any official statement confirming the details of the incident or addressing claims regarding his health.

Meanwhile, US-Iran peace talks are scheduled to take place in Islamabad, Pakistan, over the weekend. The Iranian delegation, which reportedly arrived on Saturday, includes Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, as well as defense, security, economic officials, and lawmakers.

Last month, a statement attributed to the Supreme Leader was broadcast on Iranian state television, though he did not appear on video. The message was delivered by a presenter, further fueling questions about his condition and public presence since the start of the conflict.

SM City San Pablo adopts solar power to enhance operational sustainability

Venus L Peñaflor
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SM City San Pablo adopts solar power to enhance operational sustainability

SAN PABLO CITY, Laguna – SM City San Pablo continues to advance its sustainability efforts by integrating solar energy into its daily operations, aligning with a broader push for renewable energy adoption across the Philippines’ commercial sector.

The mall is now partially powered by solar energy, allowing it to reduce dependence on the national grid while maintaining reliable operations, particularly during periods of high energy demand or supply constraints. The initiative reflects a growing trend among large-scale commercial establishments to adopt cleaner energy sources amid rising electricity costs and climate concerns.

The move forms part of the wider renewable energy program of SM Prime Holdings, which has installed rooftop solar systems across dozens of its properties nationwide. As of 2025, the company operates solar installations in at least 59 malls, deploying more than 200,000 solar panels capable of generating over 100 megawatts of peak energy.

These systems directly power essential mall operations such as lighting, escalators, and common area facilities, significantly lowering electricity consumption from conventional sources. In some SM malls, solar installations already supply a meaningful share of total energy needs while preventing thousands of tons of carbon emissions annually.

Industry experts note that rooftop solar photovoltaic systems are increasingly becoming a viable solution in urban centers, offering both environmental and economic benefits. By generating power on-site, establishments can reduce transmission losses, stabilize energy supply, and contribute to national targets for renewable energy expansion.

For communities like San Pablo, the transition to solar power also enhances resilience. Locally generated renewable energy helps mitigate the impact of grid fluctuations and supports uninterrupted services in high-traffic public spaces such as malls.

Beyond energy generation, SM Prime’s sustainability strategy includes waste management, water conservation, and energy efficiency programs, all aimed at reducing its overall environmental footprint and supporting its long-term goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2040.

With solar energy now powering part of its operations, SM City San Pablo demonstrates how commercial centers can play a key role in advancing clean energy adoption while continuing to serve communities in a more sustainable and climate-conscious manner.

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