President Marcos remains not keen on suspending the value-added tax (VAT) on petroleum products, citing the "windfall" revenue it generates as a source of funding for response efforts amid the Middle East crisis. In a Palace briefing on Monday, April 13, Marcos finally elaborated on the reasoning...
Foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Monday, April 13, urged sustained diplomacy and restraint following recent developments in the Middle East, while welcoming a temporary ceasefire between the United States and Iran. Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)...
Saying that President Marcos has failed to deliver substantial relief to the people amid the impacts of the Middle East crisis on the country is a huge lie, Malacañang said. Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said seen or not seen, Marcos continue to work and...
President Marcos is expected to announce his decision on the fuel excise tax cut on Tuesday, April 14, as the law granting him emergency powers to either reduce or suspend excise taxes on petroleum products has already taken effect. Marcos has yet to decide on the excise tax cut despite the...
While President Marcos believes the two-week ceasefire deal between the United States and Iran may not be enough to lower the prices of oil, the country will maximize it to increase its supply. "So, we will take full advantage of the two weeks to increase our supply as much as possible and to...
Executive Secretary Ralph Recto expressed hopes that the oil diplomacy the Philippines is pursuing amid the Iran-US conflict would not only replenish the country 's stocks, but build it up. Recto stated this during a meeting with business groups and executives of petroleum companies on...
Malacañang has clarified that the government’s efforts to secure safe passage for Philippine vessels through the Strait of Hormuz are aimed at ensuring a steady fuel supply, not immediately lowering oil prices. Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro said this after...
The Philippines should engage in a high-level government-to-government negotiations to facilitate procurement efforts of private oil companies in order to ensure the country has enough supply of petroleum, diesel and crude oil. This was part of the recommendation drafted by Sen. Sherwin...
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro will seek talks with Iran 's top diplomat in Manila to ensure safe passage of tankers bringing oil bound for the Philippines as the country races against time to secure enough fuel before looming global shortage. Presidential...
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian said on Saturday, March 28, that the upper chamber’s Proactive Response and Oversight for Timely and Effective Crisis Strategy (PROTECT) Committee was preparing its interim report--including initial recommendations--to address the country’s fuel supply concerns amid...
Senator Pia Cayetano on Friday, March 27 welcomed the successful drilling of the Camago-3 gas well, saying it a breakthrough for the Philippine’s energy security and local energy production. “This comes as a source of hope and opportunity, especially at a time when the conflict in West Asia...
President Marcos said that the Philippines ' hosting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in May will still push through despite the ongoing war in the Middle East. It will proceed as scheduled, Marcos said, but will only be a "barebones ASEAN Summit," stressing that it...
