The Philippines is more vulnerable to “stagflationary” shock than any of its Southeast Asian neighbors as surging energy costs and cooling domestic demand squeeze the country’s economy, according to Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp. (OCBC) In a research note published last week, OCBC economists...
Senate President Panfilo “Ping” Lacson on Sunday, April 5, called for a decisive—even “extreme”—government intervention that would shield Filipinos from the relentless surge in petroleum prices. In an interview on radio DZBB, Lacson said the government ought to disclose its actions...
Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson on Sunday, April 5 said he will support the Marcos administration should it decide to enter a joint exploration venture with China in order to help boost the country’s energy reserves. Lacson, however, stressed any such arrangement for a...
The Philippine economy is currently in a strange, uncomfortable middle ground. While the numbers for the early part of the year looked okay on paper, the experience at the grocery store or the gas station today feels very different. Interest rates are holding steady at high levels, the peso is...
Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said that high fuel prices are beginning to impact the province. Lacson said he observed fewer vehicles and motorcycles, particularly in Don Salvador Benedicto (DSB), during his regular trips to San Carlos City. “I go home every week to San Carlos City...
Motorists and transport operators are bracing for another double-digit spike in fuel prices next week, as volatile shift in Middle East geopolitical rhetoric continues to rattle global energy benchmarks. Based on four days of trading under the Mean of Platts Singapore (MOPS), the regional pricing...
Iran is not imposing any "toll fees" on Philippine-flagged oil vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz following Tehran 's assurance of their unhampered passage. "On question regarding the reported toll fee, there is no toll fee," the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said after...
This Lenten season is an opportunity for us to reflect on the challenges we’re facing brought about by the Middle East conflict and how it will shape our daily behaviors, thoughts, and relationships. Yes, Virginia, all of us—advanced and emerging economies alike—are feeling the pain and...
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...
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go on Thursday, April 2, called on the government to implement a more responsive fuel relief mechanism in light of the oil price surges. Go, made the appeal even after the President’s signing of the law temporarily suspending excise tax, raising concerns over...
Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano said he believes that the ongoing oil crisis is a good opportunity to train the country’s future leaders. Cayetano expressed his belief to hundreds of graduating and moving-up students with their parents during end-of-school-year rites in Taguig City...
The Philippines and its emerging neighbors in Southeast Asia face deepening threat of physical fuel shortages and systemic economic paralysis as the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz chokes off refined petroleum imports. According to Oxford Economics, the Philippines is among the most...