Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero said on Tuesday, March 24 the Philippines can take advantage of its hosting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit to secure regional solidarity in light of the global uncertainty over energy supply due to the Middle East conflict.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. participates in the 2nd ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit during the 46th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Kuala Lumpur on May 27, 2025. (Mark Balmores/ Canon R6 Mark II)

Escudero said Manila is in a pivotal position to advance the cause and push forward the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA) and ensure that member states can support one another in cases of major fuel supply disruptions.

The senator noted APSA is ASEAN’s proposed framework for emergency fuel-sharing, designed to allow member states to supply petroleum to neighbors facing shortages of at least 10 percent of their domestic needs.

Part of its goal and objectives are to stabilize energy supply, prevent economic shocks, and reinforce ASEAN’s collective resilience in times of crisis. 

“By accelerating APSA’s completion, ASEAN can establish its own mechanism for emergency fuel supply, triggered when a member state experiences a shortfall of at least 10 percent,” Escudero said. 

The APSA scheme is modeled after the International Energy Agency (IEA), which he said pioneered coordinated fuel-sharing among its members.

Moreover, this arrangement supports the ASEAN’s three priority pillars which are: peace and security anchors, prosperity corridors, and people empowerment.

This reflects the ASEAN region’s focus on resilience, economic integration and community solidarity.

“The current volatility in the Middle East highlights the urgency of a regional action, with oil prices rising and supply chains vulnerable. We have to act as one ASEAN,” he said.

Escudero also said ASEAN’s fuel-sharing framework will be more successful if this is suported by member states with oil reserves and production capacity, such as Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

“Their role is crucial in anchoring the agreement. By pooling resources, ASEAN can ensure that emergency supplies are not only pledged but delivered when needed,” he said.

“Fuel-sharing is not only about barrels of oil. It is also about trust, reciprocity, and the assurance that no member state will be left behind,” he further stressed.

Escudero said that the Philippine chairmanship is both a responsibility and an opportunity.

“This is our chance to lead ASEAN toward energy resilience. By working together, we can shield our region from external shocks and truly embody the theme of this year’s summit, ‘Navigating Our Future, Together,’ with solidarity and shared purpose,” he said.

Earlier, former finance secretary Margarito “Gary” Teves suggested that the Philippine government consider postponing its hosting of the 2026 ASEAN Summit in order to help save an estimated P17-billion which he said can be redirected to address domestic challenges particularly on the rising food and fuel prices.

Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III and Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson have expressed openness to the proposal citing the need to study such move.

Some senators, in particular Senators Sherwin Gatchalian and Imee Marcos have advised against wasteful spending given the current economic climate.