Taiwan says next US arms purchase is on track after guarantee

March 26, 2026 | 6:33 pm

A Taiwan flag can be seen on an overpass ahead of National Day celebrations in Taipei, Taiwan, Oct. 8, 2025. — REUTERS/ANN WANG

TAIPEI — Taiwan Defense Minister Wellington Koo on Thursday says the next arms sale package from the United States is on track after the government received a letter of guarantee from Washington, even as the US and Chinese leaders prepare to meet in May.

A major US arms package for Taiwan worth about $14 billion that includes advanced interceptor missiles is ready for US President Donald J. Trump’s approval and could be signed after his upcoming trip to China, Reuters reported this month, citing sources briefed on the discussion.

But Mr. Trump has postponed that trip, originally scheduled for early April, due to the Middle East war, and is now due in Beijing on May 14-15.

Taiwan, which China views as its own territory, is sure to be a topic, especially after Chinese President Xi Jinping told Mr. Trump in a call last month that the US must “carefully” handle arms sales to the democratically governed island.

Asked by reporters at Taiwan’s parliament whether the Trump-Xi meeting would impact US arms sales, Mr. Koo said the government had already received a letter of guarantee indicating the US is willing to authorize the next deal.

“We have also been in close communication with the US Department of War’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency regarding its willingness to provide and sell this to us, including guidance concerning the items, the amount, and the transaction,” he added, without offering details.

The package is still undergoing an internal US review and Taiwan has not received any notification about delays, Mr. Koo said.

The US State Department, which generally handles queries about government policy towards Taiwan, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

China has repeatedly demanded Washington to end arms sales to Taipei, the last of which in December was worth $11 billion, the largest ever for Taiwan.

Taiwan’s opposition-dominated parliament is continuing to debate President Lai Ching-te’s $40 billion in extra defense spending, though it has already authorized the government to sign US agreements for four arms sales packages worth some $9 billion before the budget is passed.

Mr. Koo said the government was talking to the US about possibly deferring payment or reducing the initial payment given he could not predict when parliament may approve the funds.

The US is Taiwan’s most important international backer and weapons supplier, despite the lack of formal diplomatic ties, and is bound by law to provide the island with the means to defend itself.

Taiwan has faced stepped-up Chinese military pressure in recent years, including war games. — Reuters

New PANA president pushes authentic brand-building in AI era

March 26, 2026 | 5:15 pm

Induction of the 2026 PANA Board of Directors. In photo (L–R): Inducting Officer and Keynote Speaker Alex Panlilio, Senior Vice President and Head of Revenue and Commercial Operations of Unilab; Corporate Secretary Bea Ballesa-Martinez (Century Pacific Group); Auditor Atty. Ricky Salvador (Kopiko, Mayora); Vice President Atty. Cuayo Juico (P&G); Treasurer Regina Pineda (PLDT); President Yasmin Mallari (Unilab); Directors Jon Jon San Agustin (SM Supermalls), Julie Balarba (De La Salle University), and Maye Yao Co Say (Richwell Phils.); and PRO Emm Ordinanza (Nestlé Philippines). Not in photo: Directors Pop Vargas (San Miguel Corporation) and Chuck Janolino (Rebisco)

Newly elected PANA (Philippine Association of National Advertisers)  President Yasmin Mallari urged fellow marketing professionals to focus on authentic brand-building — and remain grounded in truth, purpose, and accountability — in an era where artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping how brands connect with consumers.

Mallari, assistant vice president and head of integrated marketing communications of Unilab, Inc., made the call in her inaugural speech during the induction of the new PANA officers.

“Authenticity remains—and will always be—the foundation of every strong brand,” Mallari said as she notes how AI-driven tools transform content creation, media planning, and consumer targeting. “AI can help us tell our story faster—but it cannot define our ‘why.’ Our brand DNA must continue to guide every message we say, every story we tell, and every promise we make to our consumers.”

Also elected to the 2026 PANA leadership were Cuayo Juico, senior legal counsel of P&G, as vice president; Bea Ballesca-Martinez, marketing manager of Century Pacific Food, Inc., as secretary; Regina Pineda, vice president for marketing communications and services of PLDT, as treasurer; Ricky Salvador, head of external affairs, regulatory and communications of Kopiko (Mayora), as auditor; and Emmanuel Ordinanza, head of integrated media of Nestle Philippines, as public relations officer.

The new board of directors includes Julie Balarbar, former chair and professor at De La Salle University; Victor Janolino, corporate marketing director of Rebisco; Maye Yao Co Say, chief operating officer of Richwell Phils. Inc.; Maria Lolita Vargas, vice president and marketing manager of San Miguel Brewery, Inc.; and Joaquin San Agustin, executive vice president for marketing of Shopping Center Management Corp. (SM Supermalls).

The induction of the new PANA officers was attended by industry leaders and partner organizations, with Unilab’s Alexander S. Panlilio, senior vice president and head of revenue and commercial operations, serving as keynote speaker and inductor. Also present were outgoing PANA president Chrissy Roa, outgoing PANA Foundation chair Maye Yao Co Say, and officials from allied industry groups including the 4As, Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas, Digital Marketing Association of the Philippines, Media Specialists Association of the Philippines, Out-of-Home Advertising Association of the Philippines, and the Ad Standards Council.

Newly elected PANA President Yasmin Mallari

In her speech, Mallari said PANA’s 2026 thrust will be “Authentic Brand-Building in an AI-Enabled Consumer Economy,” reflecting the need for marketers to keep pace with technology without losing sight of the values that make brands credible. She noted that while AI offers speed, scale, and efficiency, it cannot replace human intention, values, identity, and purpose.

“We are in this age where consumers can detect insincerity or inauthenticity instantly,” Mallari said. “We as brand builders must continue to champion truth consistently, and with even greater discipline and responsibility.”

Her remarks also underscored PANA’s broader role as an industry body. Beyond representing advertisers, the organization is expected to help set standards, promote responsible communications, encourage learning and collaboration, and ensure that technology strengthens—not undermines—consumer trust.

Among the initiatives outlined for 2026 were expanded AI-focused learning sessions during general membership meetings, strategic partnerships for upskilling, support for updated ethical standards for AI-generated content, and wider access to industry data and research for members, all meant to enable PANA member-companies to build future-ready marketing teams.

Mallari said that in the end, even in an AI-enabled marketplace, the consumer remains the industry’s “ultimate north star.” For PANA, she said, the task is not only to embrace innovation but to ensure that the future of marketing remains anchored on authenticity, credibility, and trust.

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Israel took Iran’s Araqchi, Qalibaf off hit list on Pakistan request, Pakistani source says

March 26, 2026 | 5:08 pm

IRAN-CRISIS-KHAMENEI — A WOMAN reacts as people gather at the Enghelab Square, after Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in Israeli and US strikes on Saturday, in Tehran, Iran, March 1, 2026. — MAJID ASGARIPOUR/WANA (WEST ASIA NEWS AGENCY) VIA REUTERS

ISLAMABAD — Israel took Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf off its hit list after Pakistan requested that Washington not target them, a Pakistani source with knowledge of the discussions told Reuters on Thursday.

“The Israelis had their coordinates and wanted to take them out, we told the US if they are also eliminated then there is no one else to talk to, hence the US asked the Israelis to back off,” the source said.

Pakistan’s military and foreign office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The Wall Street Journal first reported that the two top Iranian officials had been temporarily removed from Israel’s list of officials to eliminate as they explore possible peace talks. The two officials have been removed from the list for up to four or five days, the Journal said, citing US officials, but did not mention any Pakistani role in it.

Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey are playing the role of mediator between Tehran and Washington to end the Iran war.

Islamabad has maintained direct contact with both Washington and Tehran at a time when such channels are frozen for most other countries. Islamabad has also been seen as a likely venue if peace talks are held.

Iran is reviewing a 15-point proposal from US President Donald Trump, sent through Pakistan, to end the war. The proposal calls for removing Iran’s stocks of highly enriched uranium, halting enrichment, curbing its ballistic missile program and cutting off funding for regional allies, according to Israeli cabinet sources familiar with the plan.

Mr. Trump has said Iran is desperate to make a deal, while Mr. Araqchi said Tehran was reviewing the US proposal but had no intention of holding talks to wind down the conflict. — Reuters

Former Taipei mayor sentenced to 17 years in corruption case

March 26, 2026 | 4:54 pm

TAIPEI — A Taipei court on Thursday sentenced former city mayor and one-time presidential candidate Ko Wen-je to 17 years in jail after finding him guilty of corruption and misuse of political donations, the official Central News Agency said.

Prosecutors had asked for a combined total of more than 28 years in prison for Mr. Ko, who is 66, saying he had accepted T$17.1 million ($535,563) in bribes over a major property development in the city. He also embezzled tens of millions in political donations, prosecutors said.

Mr. Ko, who was mayor from 2014 to 2022 and came third in 2024’s presidential election, was arrested in 2024. He has been out on bail since September and has consistently denied wrongdoing, saying he is the target of a politically motivated investigation.

He is the founder of the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP), whose current chairman, Huang Kuo-chang, decried the verdict in a post on his Facebook page.

“At this moment, we must pull ourselves together even more, because this road ahead is still very, very long. As long as Ko does not give up, we will not give up,” Mr. Huang wrote from the courthouse, where he was accompanying Mr. Ko.

Mr. Ko also lost his citizenship rights for six years, meaning he cannot run for office, although he can appeal the verdict, the Central News Agency said.

The TPP only has eight seats in parliament, but generally votes with the largest opposition party, the Kuomintang. Together they have more seats than the ruling Democratic Progressive Party.

The opposition have used their majority to stymie government plans and push their own legislative agenda.

Mr. Ko has attracted an impassioned fan base in Taiwan of mostly young people by focusing on issues such as the high cost of housing.

Some of those supporters protested outside the courthouse in central Taipei, proclaiming Mr. Ko’s innocence. ($1 = 31.9290 Taiwan dollars) — Reuters

G7 allies meet against backdrop of wars in Ukraine and Iran, with unpredictable US

March 26, 2026 | 4:50 pm

VAUX-DE-CERNAY, France — Foreign ministers from the world’s leading Western democracies meet in France this week against the backdrop of wars in Iran and Ukraine, economic uncertainty, and mounting unease over an increasingly unpredictable US foreign policy.

The two-day gathering at the restored 12th-century Abbaye des Vaux-de-Cernay, about 40 kilometers (25 miles) southwest of Paris, brings together ministers from the G7 – Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the US – alongside the European Union.

The grouping, which first met as six in nearby Rambouillet 50 years ago, traditionally approached its core economic and geopolitical challenges with a broad consensus.

That cohesion has frayed since Donald Trump returned to the US presidency in 2025.

US SEEN AS DESTABILIZING ELEMENT
Allies and adversaries alike have spent the past year scrambling to respond to abrupt US policy shifts, from tariffs to Ukraine, and now the Middle East conflict, which European diplomats and officials say lacks clear objectives or an exit strategy.

France’s army chief on Wednesday bemoaned Washington’s unpredictability, saying it was impacting allies’ interests and security.

“The US attitude is an element of destabilization of the international system for all players, not only for members of the G7, but also for China, (and) for many, many countries in the world,” said Thomas Gomart, director of the Paris-based French Institute of International Relations.

Underscoring the break from past practice, officials have abandoned efforts to craft an agreed all-encompassing final communique to avoid open tensions.

ALLIES SEEK IRAN CLARITY FROM RUBIO
A top priority for Washington’s partners will be a debriefing from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who will attend the meeting’s second day on Friday.

Officials said allies are hoping to get greater clarity on the US and Israeli military operations against Iran and on whether any meaningful diplomatic channel exists to end the conflict.

Talks will also focus on the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has effectively closed, choking about a fifth of global oil supplies.

Ministers from Brazil, India, South Korea and Saudi Arabia, all key economic heavyweights whose alignment is pivotal on global security, energy, and diplomatic crises, will also attend.

NO BAD DEAL FOR UKRAINE
Negotiations to end Russia’s war in Ukraine have stalled, and European officials fear that the US – which has led negotiation efforts and pursued a rapprochement with Moscow – could push Kyiv into an unfavorable peace deal ahead of US midterm elections in November.

European officials said they would stress to Mr. Rubio that such an outcome would be unacceptable, arguing instead for tougher sanctions on Russia and immediate efforts to prepare Ukraine for another winter of war.

These should include safeguarding its energy sector, repeatedly targeted by Russian attacks, as well as continuing military support for Kyiv, they said.

“We will reiterate firm support for Kyiv and for US mediation efforts, stressing the need to maintain strong pressure on Moscow through sanctions,” an Italian diplomatic source said.

Ukraine’s foreign minister will attend the talks.

The meeting also feeds into French priorities ahead of its G7 leaders’ summit in the Alps next June, including how to address global imbalances and the crisis of multilateralism. Paris has sought to associate China more closely with those discussions.

One area where officials see potential consensus during the French presidency is the creation of a G7 task force to tackle drug smuggling. — Reuters

Nubia Air 5G review: tougher than it looks

March 26, 2026 | 4:44 pm

1 of 4

The battle between premium phones may be exciting to watch but the best fights can be seen at the mid-range and value segments.

The Nubia Air 5G might be mistaken for a device that belongs to a higher tier because of its ultra-slim build. Not only that, but it also has a triple ingress protection rating of IP68, IP69, and IP69K which translates to the phone’s resistance to submersion and high-pressure and high-temperature water jets. It’s really tougher than it looks.

At 5.9mm and 172 grams, it’s definitely one of the thinnest and lightest phones out there. The 6.78-inch AMOLED screen is incredibly bright and vibrant with a 120hz refresh rate. It’s quite easy to see even outdoors. Perhaps the only downside is the screen’s tendency to oversaturate some colors. Eye comfort and read mode settings can help mitigate the boosted colors for those who prefer less eye candy. The under display fingerprint sensor is fast and responsive.

The phone comes packed with a 5000mah battery and 33W fast charging. It won’t beat battery endurance records, but it’s on par with phones with similar battery capacity, giving it a whole day of battery life under normal usage. For contactless payments, the phone is equipped with NFC. Sadly, there’s no wireless charging.

At the back is a prominent hump that houses the camera array. There’s a main 50MP sensor with a pair of auxiliary lenses and LED flash. It’s the main shooter that does all the work and in good lighting conditions, the images that it produces are rather decent for uploading to social media. Look elsewhere if you’re looking for ultrasharp images or noise-free lowlight and night shots. The lack of an ultrawide lens may also turn off some photography buffs. Video is limited to a max setting of 1080p/30 fps.

The Unisoc T8300 chip under the hood copes well with day-to-day tasks such as browsing, productivity, basic connectivity, and light gaming. When trying to quickly switch between tasks and under heavy load, there may be some occasional stutter or slowdown. The 6-nanometer 8-core chipset may not dominate benchmarks but as long as the graphic settings aren’t set to max level, the Nubia Air 5G is surprisingly good enough for most 3D games.

Those who encounter working with multiple languages will appreciate the AI Translate feature but that’s pretty much the extent of the AI features that’s baked in the phone. You have to rely on other AI apps such as Gemini for other tasks.

In terms of value proposition, you are getting a lot of phone for just a hair under P11,000 with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. If you’re willing to live without the top tier features but need a mid-level device for use as a daily driver or a second phone, the Nubia Air 5G ticks all the boxes of having a slim and premium-looking phone without the hefty price tag. — Ed G. Geronia Jr.

Globe completes live pilot test of Starlink Satellite-to-Mobile Service in Rizal, Batangas and Bataan

March 26, 2026 | 4:30 pm

Globe has successfully completed its first live trial of the Starlink Mobile, a satellite-to-mobile service in partnership with Starlink, marking a significant step in expanding mobile connectivity beyond the limits of traditional cell towers. Following the earlier announcement of the Globe and Starlink partnership, the live pilot validated the technical performance, interoperability, and overall user experience of satellite-to-mobile connectivity integrated with the Globe core network. Testing was conducted across multiple remote locations in Rizal, Batangas, and Bataan.

Starlink’s satellite-to-mobile technology functions as a cell tower in space, delivering app-based voice calls, simple data and SMS directly from Low Earth Orbit satellites to standard LTE smartphones. No additional hardware, special device, or new application is required. As long as users have a clear view of the sky, connectivity becomes possible even in areas with no terrestrial signal.

During the pilot, Globe tested essential services in areas with no existing mobile coverage. The trial successfully enabled SMS, app-based voice calls, simple data access for messaging services such as Viber and WhatsApp, navigation through map apps, access to eGovernment services via the eGov PH app, sending money and payment transactions through GCash, and load and promo top-ups through the GlobeOne app.

The pilot confirmed the feasibility of extending mobile connectivity beyond traditional terrestrial networks. The technology is designed to support connectivity in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA), provide an additional communication layer during network outages caused by disasters, and enable mobile access in maritime environments up to 12 nautical miles.

Joel Agustin, Senior Vice President for Service Planning and Engineering at Globe, emphasized the importance of this milestone as “another breakthrough service from Globe in partnership with Starlink to serve Filipinos using satellite technology for connectivity.”

“This will be our lifeline especially during disasters and our complementary coverage in areas where terrestrial network is not available. The service will also address the connectivity requirements of GIDA communities and strengthen coverage across the country’s territorial boundaries,” he added.

With network integration and initial testing successfully completed, Globe and Starlink have validated satellite-to-mobile capability in the Philippine setting, laying the groundwork for the next stage of the partnership and onto commercial rollout. The milestone reflects tangible progress in translating the collaboration into operational readiness and reinforces Globe’s commitment to deliver resilient and inclusive connectivity nationwide.

Following the live pilot tests, Globe and Starlink will expand testing scenarios to include additional locations and operational scalability. The next stage will focus on broader validation of various operational scenarios and functions, including stress testing and limitations, in preparation for Globe’s satellite-to-mobile commercial rollout, subject to regulatory approvals.

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Filipinos urged to explore locally made EVs amid surge in oil prices – DOST

March 26, 2026 | 3:31 pm

dost-hybrid-electric-train — The Hybrid Electric Train developed by DOST's Metals Industry Research and Development Center (MIRDC) runs on diesel and electric power from its batteries. — DOST

Amid a series of oil price hikes, the country has a suite of locally made electric vehicle (EV) innovations that can serve as a practical alternative for commuters and transport operators, according to the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) on Thursday.

“We made smart, long-term investments in Filipino e-mobility research,” Renato U. Solidum Jr., DOST Secretary, said in a statement.

“With the continuing rise of global fuel prices, these technologies offer a real, practical way for Filipinos to save on costs while contributing to cleaner communities.”

DOST cited six EV innovations that have huge potential for wider adoption in the country.

Among these is M/B Dalaray, the country’s first locally designed and manufactured battery-electric ferry, first launched in October.

It traverses the Pasig River, allowing commuters to arrive at major urban areas in the capital in a cleaner and more sustainable way.

DOST earlier said that the ferry is powered by lithium-ion batteries and can sustain voyages of around 45 kilometers, or two to three hours of operation.

M/B Dalaray operates daily from Monday to Saturday. It departs at 1:30 pm from Guadalupe to Escolta station, and at 3:00 pm from Escolta back to Guadalupe.

Another Filipino-made EV innovation is the C-Trike, an electric-powered version of the traditional tricycle.

It consumes only 4.5 kilowatts of power for a 56.4-kilometer ride, DOST said, noting its mileage efficiency.

On rail transit, DOST also developed the Hybrid Electric Train (HET), a 20-meter-per-coach pilot transit system that runs on both diesel power and electric batteries.

It was developed by engineers from its attached agency, the Metal Industry Research and Development Center, for the Philippine National Railways (PNR), and had its inaugural run in 2019.

Meanwhile, DOST has also helped deploy electric tricycles (e-trikes) in Cauayan City, Tuguegarao, Batanes, Iloilo, and Metro Manila to help these areas adopt sustainable mobility while lowering operational costs for drivers.

For the “King of the Road” jeepney, the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP) developed a 23-seater e-jeepney with DOST, which helps drivers save on fuel costs while also reducing emissions.

DOST earlier proposed the e-jeepney as part of the country’s Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) Modernization Program.

A locally engineered fast-charging system that can charge EVs, such as e-trikes, in about 30 minutes—faster than conventional charging methods—has also been developed.

Called CHarM (Charging in Minutes), it was developed by researchers from the University of the Philippines Diliman with support from DOST’s Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD).

CHarM charging stations are already available in various locations in Quezon City, Bonifacio Global City in Taguig, and Binondo, Manila. They have also been deployed in nearby areas outside Metro Manila.

With this suite of EV innovations, DOST urged commuters to explore EV options for daily travel and encouraged transport cooperatives to adopt e-trikes, e-jeepneys, and CHarM-supported charging systems.

Local government units are also encouraged to integrate EV routes into their transport modernization plans.

“These actions strengthen long-term resilience, reduce dependence on imported fuel, and accelerate the adoption of clean, Filipino-made technologies,” DOST said.

“DOST’s continued expansion of e-mobility research aligns with its commitment to sustainability, wealth creation, and human well-being—supporting national goals for a cleaner, more efficient transport system,” it added. — Edg Adrian A. Eva

Philippine central bank holds rate at 4.25% as inflation risks rise

March 26, 2026 | 2:53 pm

The main office of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas in Manila. — BW FILE PHOTO

MANILA — The Philippine central bank said on Thursday that it had decided to keep its policy rate at 4.25%, adding that it will act as needed to maintain price stability and address likely second-round effects.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), which was not scheduled to review interest rates until April 23, said mounting risks to inflation require sustained vigilance.

In a statement it said inflation this year was expected to breach the 4.0% ceiling but move back toward the tolerance range by 2027.

“As a data-driven monetary authority, and in light of fast-changing developments and uncertain economic conditions, the Monetary Board met today and decided to maintain the policy rate at 4.25%,” it said.

“Over the near term, the Monetary Board sees upside risks to inflation as largely supply-driven, for which monetary policy has limited effectiveness. At the same time, the BSP sees continued weak economic growth in 2026. To raise the policy rate at this time would delay the recovery.” — Reuters

JICA-backed rail projects on track with targets despite rising costs

March 26, 2026 | 2:39 pm

subway-tunnel boring machine — The tunnel boring machine is seen at the planned Camp Aguinaldo station of the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP) in Quezon City. — PHILIPPINE STAR/MIGUEL DE GUZMAN

By Justine Irish D. Tabile, Senior Reporter

Railway projects funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) are still on track with completion targets despite the potential impact of the Middle East war on oil prices and costs, contractors said.

“Although we are facing various challenges, including the Middle East conflict, we will achieve our target,” said Takashi Date, the project manager of the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP) Contract Package (CP) 103 during a press tour conducted by the Japan Embassy in the Philippines.

MMSP CP103 Construction Manager Ricky P. Salenga said rising oil prices are a concern as the contractor, Sumitomo Mitsui Construction Co., Ltd., uses fuel for its heavy machinery.

“Since this is a construction project and we use heavy machinery, it requires a lot of oil. So, the (limited supply) of oil can affect us,” he said.

He said that the delays will only happen if there is no supply of oil.

Recent oil price hikes have already affected the project’s costs.

The MMSP spans 6.516 kilometers and covers two underground stations — Anonas and Camp Aguinaldo — as well as the tunnels.

As of March 21, the MMSP CP103 package has a 28.43% completion rate. The subway is expected to be completed by 2032.

A joint venture between Shimizu Corp., Fujita Corp., Takenaka Civil Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd., and EEI Corp. (SFTE) also expressed confidence in completing the MMSP CP101 on time for the completion target.

To date, the works under CP101 are about 52% complete. The contract covers the 30.7-hectare Ugong depot as well as the MMSP Valenzuela, Quirino Highway, Tandang Sora, and North Avenue stations.

However, Antonio M. Aganon, Jr., station deputy civil manager of the SFTE joint venture, said that the company has made plans for all the materials the project will need in advance.

“It will affect the final cost of the project,” he said. “But no one could really tell when (the war) will be done. So, what we can do is to go with our schedule.”

So far, the company has already imported most of the materials and is expecting the delivery of tunnel boring machines in the next two weeks, Mr. Aganon said.

MMSP CP101 also covers the construction of the Philippine Railway Institute, which is eyed for completion within the year.

Meanwhile, Taisei-DM Consunji, Inc. Joint Venture (Taisei-DMCI JV), the contractor behind the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) CP01, said that it sees rising prices of oil and materials impacting the project.

“We are now in the finishing stages of the stations and some of the buildings here. So, the only impact on us probably is the fuel price increase or the costs of other materials that will be increased,” said Gerardo S. Ancheta, Jr., deputy project manager of Taisei-DMCI JV.

He said that the war could impact the prices of the materials the company has yet to import from other countries.

“We are coordinating that properly with the manufacturers and suppliers that we have … For now, we have not heard any issues or problems from them,” he added.

As far as the JV’s part in the project, he said that the company is on track to complete its part by year-end.

“However, there are some interface works that we need to work on with the CP04,” he added, noting that the company will not be able to finish the facilities without the electrical and mechanical (E&M) systems and track works from CP04.

Mr. Ancheta said that the delay stemmed from the late awarding of the CP04, as it was only awarded three years after CP01.

As of March 11, the overall progress of the NSCR CP01 is at 88.77%. The partial operations for the NSCR are eyed for 2027.

To ensure the timely completion of the two railway systems, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. has ordered the release of P44.17 billion to the Department of Transportation (DoTr).

According to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), the funding will “cover critical loan proceeds requirements—ensuring that construction timelines remain on track and momentum is sustained.”

“The funding was authorized through two Special Allotment Release Orders (SAROs) approved by DBM Secretary Rolando “Rolly” U. Toledo on March 23.

The release was charged against the unprogrammed appropriations under the Fiscal Year 2026 General Appropriations Act, specifically for Support to Foreign-Assisted Projects (SFAPs).

Philippines suspends electricity market due to Middle East conflict

March 26, 2026 | 1:22 pm

SINGAPORE — The Philippines suspended electricity sales on the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market until further notice on Thursday due to fuel supply risks and price volatility caused by the Iran war.

The suspension – a rare state intervention in one of the few Asian markets where electricity bills are linked to market prices – was ordered under a decree that declared a state of national energy emergency to deal with the fallout from the war, including disruptions to fuel procurement.

The country’s Energy Regulatory Commission said it expects to finalize a modified pricing scheme by Wednesday.

Data from the Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines showed average spot power prices in the Philippines jumped 58% this month after the war launched by the US and Israel on February 28 rattled fuel supplies.

Prices in Mindanao and Visayas territories have nearly doubled, while those in more populous Luzon rose 42%.

The suspension follows through on plans flagged by Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin in an interview with Reuters on March 13, in which she said the government would intervene in the market to stop a projected surge in power bills.

Power tariffs in the archipelago of more than 100 million are the highest in the region after Singapore.

A modified pricing scheme was being adopted as historical market prices no longer “reflect current conditions marked by geopolitical tensions and fuel supply constraints,” the commission said.

During the suspension, the power system will operate under guidelines that aim to prioritize renewable energy and conserve critical fuel inventories, it said.

“Coal plants may be paid at a fixed rate, natural gas plants based on contracted prices,” the commission said in a statement, adding that the market will remain suspended until the conditions are suitable for normal operations. — Reuters

Philippines launches $333 million fund to boost fuel security

March 26, 2026 | 10:30 am

gas attendant-motorist — A motorist pays a gas attendant at a gas station on March 1, 2026. — PHILIPPINE STAR/RYAN BALDEMOR

MANILA — The Philippine energy ministry said on Thursday it is activating a 20 billion peso ($333 million) emergency fund to strengthen fuel security amid continued volatility in oil prices due to the conflict in the Middle East.

“This decisive action demonstrates the administration’s firm resolve to protect the Filipino people from external supply shocks and to ensure the continuous, adequate, and reliable availability of fuel across the country,” the energy department said.

Under the program, the government plans to buy up to two million barrels of fuel to support domestic supply and purchase refined petroleum products and liquefied petroleum gas.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said on Wednesday the country has around 45 days’ worth of oil supply.
The Philippines imports almost all of its crude from the Middle East, with Saudi Arabia its biggest supplier, making it vulnerable to oil price shocks and supply disruptions.

— Reuters