Noting that time is of the essence, senators on Monday, April 13, questioned why the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has to seek the United States’ permission to import oil from Russia and delay the delivery of oil supply in the country. Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, chairman of the Senate...
The Philippine economy is facing its most severe test from the ongoing oil crisis, with economists warning that surging fuel costs and supply disruptions are exposing deep structural vulnerabilities and could derail growth prospects this year. In separate reports released on Friday, April 10,...
The interagency Fiscal Incentives Review Board (FIRB) has allowed registered business enterprises (RBEs) in economic zones and freeports to temporarily adopt work-from-home (WFH) arrangements of up to 90 percent of their workforce, following the declaration of a national energy emergency. In a...
Senator Pia Cayetano cautioned on Thursday, April 9 the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) over its policy allowing higher education institutions (HEIs) to shift to online classes a 100 percent amid the fuel and energy crisis. Cayetano made the statement after CHEd issued the new guidance...
The Philippines’ energy rationing measures, including a shortened four-day workweek for some government offices, are disproportionately hitting low-income households, raising risks of stagflation and potential social unrest, according to think tank Oxford Economics. In a report on Thursday, April...
The Marcos Jr. administration’s chief economic manager assured on Tuesday, April 7, that the Philippine government has enough resources to tackle the oil crisis head-on, given an improving fiscal position with rising revenues coupled with prudent spending on public goods and services. “Our...
House Assistant Majority Leader Lanao del Sur 1st district Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong says "consequences" must be meted out to individuals who deliberately spread false information about the ongoing national energy emergency. Adiong, in a statement Monday, April 6, reckoned that those who exploit the...
The Philippines is facing an inflationary shock that could spill over to slower economic growth, potential job losses, and more capital market outflows amid a prolonged Middle East conflict, according to the World Bank. The global oil price and supply shock wrought by the war in Iran would “raise...
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Thursday, April 2 lauded the government for securing a “safe passage” deal with Iran, saying it is a major win for the country which is still reeling from the impact of the oil crisis due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Gatchalian, chairman of the...
Multilateral lenders including the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the World Bank Group (WBG) are moving to provide immediate financing and coordinated support to countries reeling from the economic fallout of the Middle East war. In a statement on...
The World Bank Group (WBG) said it is stepping up support for emerging market (EM) economies like the Philippines, as the ongoing Middle East conflict drives up commodity prices and disrupts global logistics, posing new risks to growth and food security. In a statement on Thursday, March 26, the...
President Marcos’ declaration of a state of national energy emergency is a calculated move. Clearly, the government intends to stay ahead of a brewing storm. And in an era where geopolitical tensions can send crude prices soaring overnight, timing is everything—and by most expert accounts, the...
