CHIZ: ASEAN SUMMIT A GOOD OPPORTUNITY TO PUSH FOR REGIONAL FUEL-SHARING FRAMEWORK

 

As chair of this year’s Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Philippines is in a pivotal position to advance regional solidarity amid global energy uncertainty.  

Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero said Manila must exert efforts to push forward the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA) and ensure member states can support one another during petroleum supply disruptions.  

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

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

“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.  

He added that this arrangement supports ASEAN’s three priority pillars—Peace and Security Anchors, Prosperity Corridors, and People Empowerment—reflecting the region’s collective 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.

The veteran lawmaker underscored that ASEAN’s fuel-sharing framework will be most effective if backed 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.”  

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.” 

Lawmakers Rally Behind Fuel Tax Suspension to Curb Soaring Prices

 

MANILA, Philippines — Lawmakers are pushing for the swift enactment of a measure that would grant the President emergency powers to suspend excise taxes on petroleum products. The House Committee on Ways and Means recently approved a substitute bill consolidating 17 measures aimed at providing immediate relief to Filipinos as global oil markets face extreme volatility.

The proposed legislation amends the National Internal Revenue Code to allow for the suspension of the P10 per liter excise tax on gasoline and P6 per liter on diesel when certain triggers are met, such as Dubai crude reaching $80 per barrel or the declaration of a national emergency.

Strategic Response to Market Volatility

Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon hailed the committee's decision as a "timely and decisive response" to global supply disruptions. With potential diesel prices projected by the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) to hit P96 per liter in a worst-case scenario, the suspension could lower retail prices to approximately P90.04.

“With tensions in key petroleum-producing regions threatening to disrupt global supply and push fuel prices higher, the Philippine government must have the necessary tools to respond quickly and decisively to protect Filipino consumers,” Ridon stated. He further urged the President to "immediately declare a state of national emergency so that the suspension or reduction of excise taxes on petroleum products can take effect in the soonest possible time."

Balancing Relief and Revenue

Former Speaker and Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, a primary author of the initiative, noted that while the government relies on these taxes for social services, the current spike justifies an intervention.

“An excise tax suspension or reduction will be a big relief to our people at this time of soaring fuel prices. A suspension would mean a retail price reduction of P6 to P10 per liter,” Romualdez said. While he initially preferred a permanent removal, he acknowledged the fiscal reality: “That would have been the ideal measure, but I also understand the need for the government to continue relying on billions in excise tax collections for vital social services.”

The Department of Finance has warned of a potential P136 billion revenue decline for 2026 if the taxes are removed through the end of the year. However, Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Jan Chan emphasized that the priority remains the "ordinary Filipino."

“We welcome the approval of the House Ways and Means Committee proposal to give emergency authority to the President to temporarily suspend fuel excise tax if needed. In the midst of oil price volatility in the world market, it’s important that the government helps alleviate the burden of motorists and ordinary Filipino,” Chan said in Filipino.

Demanding Transparency from Oil Giants

A key point of contention during the deliberations was the "inventory lag" cited by oil companies, who claim prices cannot drop immediately until old, taxed stock is depleted. Romualdez countered this by demanding full disclosure of current inventories.

“They should declare what stocks they have that they would sell with excise taxes and what supply is coming which they would sell without these levies. For the good and guidance of our people,” Romualdez insisted.

The bill now moves forward for further plenary discussion as the government monitors the escalating conflict in the Middle East and its impact on the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global oil trade.

Hallmark Mining Corporation Bolsters Green Mining Initiatives by Completing the Turnover of 100,000 Seedlings

True to its vision and mission, Hallmark Mining Company (HMC) has successfully distributed 100,000 high-value seedlings to partner People’s Organization across Mati City and Tarragona, Davao Oriental. This follows the government’s undertaking of Special Tree Cutting Permit (STCEP) Replacement Planting Initiative.

The turnover, and succeeding tree planting activity, was coordinated in close relation with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to ensure that the seedlings are deployed to priority areas for reforestation sites under HMC’s Special Tree Cutting Permit and Earthballing Permit (STCEP).

On top of the priority areas are Brgy. Taguibo, Mati City and Brgy. Limot, Tarragona which received 30,000 and 20,000 seedlings respectively. This success is attributed to strong institutional partnership between government and industry.

The seedlings are guaranteed to act as a critical shield against soil erosion and flash floods during typhoon season. Simultaneously, the company ensures to provide high-value yielding seedlings to farmers.

Crops like durian and cacao are among the high-value crops donated by HMC to farmers as permanent livelihood assets, with the goal of boosting local economy.

Moreover, the involvement of communities and the company’s adherence to the internationally recognized principle of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) form part of their values. The recent coordination of Hallmark with Indigenous Peoples groups proves their commitment to this principle.

For HMC, complying with government efforts in combating environmental degradation is more than a regulatory requirement; it is a natural extension of the company’s core adherence to sustainable mining and community-led reforestation.

HMC’s mining methods, as echoed by Davao Oriental State University president Dr. Roy Ponce, “pose only a minimal impact on local biodiversity.” By extracting minerals in strategic “patches” rather than through traditional large-scale clearing, this practice ensures minimal disruption to the forest.

Patch mining keeps the surrounding areas intact while providing the ecosystem with sufficient recovery time. While nature heals, the company continues to move forward with its sustainable practices.

Butch Sebua, HMC’s Environmental Manager, stated that Hallmark’s consistency with its company values differentiates it from other mining corporations. “Here, we recognize that we are merely borrowing from nature. That’s why as much as we can, and with the help of the local government, we do our best to give back by ensuring sustainable mining practices.”

Through their environmental and community initiatives, HMC hopes to demonstrate that mining can be achieved without compromising Indigenous rights and with strict adherence to government regulations. This underscores both realization and accountability—successfully balancing the revival of a high-potential industry with a deep-seated duty to protect the land and its ancestral stewards.

Follow and stay tuned on HMC’s Facebook page to be part of the change:

https://www.facebook.com/hallmarkminingcorp

RTOA Davao Unveils Electric Taxis, Signals Shift Toward Sustainable Transport

In photo: LTFRB Region XI Director Nonito “Dondon” Llanos and RTOA Region XI President Ryan Sia lead the ribbon-cutting ceremony, formally marking the launch of EV taxis under the RTOA fleet.

DAVAO CITY, 19 February 2026 – The Regional Taxi Operators Association (RTOA), the largest coalition of local taxi operators in Davao City, has announced a pilot rollout of electric vehicles in its fleet, signaling a strategic shift toward more sustainable urban transport in the region. The initiative was unveiled during a press conference in Davao City, where RTOA presented the initial batch of electric taxi units now cleared to operate as part of its active fleet.

Representing approximately 70 percent of taxi operators in Davao, RTOA’s initiative reflects a collective effort by local operators to embrace cleaner mobility solutions while ensuring full compliance with existing transport regulations set by the local government and agencies such as the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

“As proud Davaoeños, we stand ready to help lead the shift to sustainable mobility for our kababayans,”  shared RTOA President Ryan Sia. “For decades, we have served Davaoeno commuters, and we welcome every opportunity to raise the standard of service they deserve. Today, we take a meaningful step forward – honoring our responsibility to the public and our duty to the future. We are honored to walk alongside the government in modernizing the local taxi fleet, moving hand in hand with operators and drivers toward a cleaner, safer, and more progressive Davao City.”

RTOA will proactively share operational learnings from the pilot, covering vehicle performance, charging patterns, cost efficiency, and rider feedback, with the local government and transport regulators, including the LTFRB, to help inform a collaborative roadmap for electric mobility in Davao. 

The group noted that regular updates from the pilot can guide practical decisions on charging infrastructure rollout and policy refinements, ensuring that regulations and support systems evolve in step with real-world operating conditions and build a more sustainable environment for EV adoption.

The initiative has the expressed support of the LTFRB, reinforcing RTOA’s position that the adoption of electric vehicles should proceed through established regulatory channels. 

“LTFRB acknowledges the importance of the Electric Vehicles Industry Development Act or EVIDA law. It's very necessary that we have to move forward, we have to transform our taxis into better, comfortable, reliable, environmental, friendly taxis to make sure that the triple S: satisfaction, security, and success will be experienced by our taxi drivers, operators and our passengers,” said LTFRB XI Regional Director Nonito “Dondon” Llanos III during the event.

As RTOA prepares to scale its electric fleet, Sia said the pilot is only the start—an early but important step that strongly positions local taxi operators to stay competitive as electric mobility takes hold in the Philippine transport landscape.