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Power outlook being reviewed following Luzon yellow alert

STOCK PHOTO | Image by Natsuki from Unsplash

THE National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) said it met with the Department of Energy (DoE) to adjust the power outlook following the declaration of a yellow alert last week.

“We’re still in the process of assessing and adjusting (the forecast) after the sudden spike in temperature on March 5. So as soon as we have that revised projection, considering all the factors, we will get back to you,” NGCP Spokesperson Cynthia P. Alabanza said at a briefing on Wednesday.

Ms. Alabanza said that the company will also work with power generators and distribution utilities next week to arrive at possible solutions and contingency plans to avoid disruptions to the power supply.

On March 5, the NGCP raised a yellow alert over the Luzon grid as demand spiked with the hot weather, with capacity also stretched by forced outages in some power plants. Unavailable because of unplanned outages totaled 3,362 megawatts (MW).

“With NGCP’s implementation of rapid assessment on grid stability, optimization of remaining available power, and continuous real-time monitoring and coordination with affected plants, the power situation did not escalate into a red alert,” the grid operator said.

A yellow alert is issued when the power supply-demand balance falls below safety margins.

Peak demand for the year was recorded on March 6 at 12,467 MW, up 5% compared with the DoE-approved GOP (Grid Operating Program), which had forecast demand of 11,870 MW that day.

For 2025, the Department of Energy forecast peak demand of 14,769 MW for Luzon, 3,111 MW for the Visayas, and 2,789 MW for Mindanao.

Meanwhile, the NGCP cautioned the public that while power supply “seems sufficient on paper,” unplanned outages have been the primary cause of power interruptions.

“While NGCP has complied with the DoE directive on the procurement of ancillary services (AS) through competitive selection process and payment of AS procured through the AS Reserve Market, the unplanned outages cause all power dispatched through the transmission system to be used for energy consumption,” the grid operator said.

“The contingency and dispatchable ancillary services will have been depleted and already running and dispatched as ‘energy’ for use by the consumers, and no longer reserved for ancillary services, since the contingency for which they were procured has already occurred,” it added.

A shortfall in supply, should that occur, means that while all available generators are running, including those contracted by NGCP for AS, the existing supply is still insufficient to meet demand, the company said.

Ancillary services are tapped by grid operators to support the transmission of power from generators to consumers to maintain reliable operations. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera

Dual citizens to be eligible for tourist VAT refund program — draft IRR

DUAL CITIZENS will be allowed to avail of the value-added tax (VAT) refund for tourists if they enter the country using their foreign passport, according to draft implementing rules and regulations (IRR) released by the Department of Finance.

The IRR draft considers Filipinos with dual citizenship who use their foreign passport to enter the country as falling under the definition of “tourist.”

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. signed Republic Act No. 12079, also known as “Act Creating a VAT Refund Mechanism for Non-Resident Tourists,” in December. The law allows tourists to claim VAT refunds on purchases worth at least P3,000 from government-accredited stores.

The law, as approved, holds that “sales to citizens and residents of the Philippines, and foreign nationals residing in the country, are not eligible for VAT refund.” 

The draft IRR deems “non-resident foreign passport holders who visit the Philippines” as tourists.

A public consultation on the IRR is scheduled for March 17.

The law follows the risk-based classification system for other VAT refund claims. It said claims deemed “high-risk” will require the presentation of the goods purchased for inspection and further validation by the Bureau of Customs. — Aubrey Rose A. Inosante

Sugar order calls for export of 66,000 metric tons to US

WIKIMEDIA.ORG/PATRICKROQUE01

THE sugar regulator issued an order calling for voluntary exports of 66,000 metric tons (MT) of raw sugar to the United States.

Sugar Order No. 5, issued on Wednesday, allows the Philippines to fulfill its obligations under the US Raw Sugar Tariff-Rate Quota World Trade Allocation, the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) said.

Participants in the export program will enjoy priority in future import programs.

Participants complying with the order will be allowed to import 2.5 kilograms of refined sugar for every kilogram of raw sugar exported to the US.

The Office of the US Trade Representative gave the Philippines a quota of 145,235 MT raw value of raw cane sugar to the Philippines for the year to September.

Potential participants have until March 30 to submit to the SRA a written and notarized undertaking stating the amount of sugar they plan to ship to the US.

SRA Administrator Pablo Luis S. Azcona has said that the industry lobbied to export 66,000 MT of sugar instead of the initial 60,000 MT, to maximize the use of the cargo ship.

Segments of the local industry, including farmers, oppose sugar exports to the US because the US buys the commodity at a lower price.

“Sugar is bought by traders at US prices, which is about P1,000 less than domestic prices. That’s why farmers complained,” Mr. Azcona said last month, noting that the then-draft order incorporated the industry’s concerns. — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza

Philippines exploring satellite, agricultural technology tie-ups with Slovenia

REUTERS

THE PHILIPPINES is exploring possible collaboration in satellites and agricultural technology with Slovenia, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said.

Speaking on the sidelines of a forum organized for the visit of a Slovenian business delegation, Trade Secretary Cristina A. Roque said: “We really try to foresee how both countries can benefit from trade missions such as this… We discussed satellites, and they also have agri-tech, which is something that we are very interested in.”

She added at the Philippines-Slovenia Business Forum that the Philippines needs to develop technology in agriculture to achieve food security.

“We have a fast-growing population. It’s really important for us, so we don’t have to import so much because it’s expensive,” she added.

On Monday, the Philippines welcomed the delegation representing of 42 companies from the Slovenian mobility, manufacturing, food and beverage, information and communications technology, science, technology and education, business consultancy industries. Some of the companies also expressed interest in employing overseas Filipino workers.

“We are doing yearly investigations within our member companies, and the Philippines is seen as a really important hub for Slovenia because more than 80% of the Slovenian companies are exporters” according to Marjana Majerič, executive director of Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia (CCIS).

She sees the most promising areas for cooperation are technology, pharmaceuticals and medical devices, agri-food, sustainability, logistics, infrastructure, and energy.

“These are the areas that we can see as a really possible match between the Philippines and Slovenia,” according to Ms. Majerič, the head of the delegation.

At the forum, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and CCIS signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen business and economic cooperation between the two countries.

Under the agreement, PCCI and CCIS committed to organizing outbound or hosting inbound trade and investment missions and participating in exhibitions, trade fairs, symposiums, seminars, conferences, study tours, business matching, training, and other trade and investment promotion activities.

The two parties also agreed to organize a Philippines-Slovenia business council which will implement their joint initiatives.

“Twenty years ago, we signed a contract with PCCI, and we now extended this MoU with an action plan. The previous MoU was a little bit general, but now we stick to more precise activities,” Ms. Majerič said.

“I think through that, we will have this possibility to make even further activities because we are already organizing online meetings with the companies,” she added.

PCCI Chairman George T. Barcelon said that the new MoU strengthens the two parties’ institutional cooperation.

“This agreement will provide a robust framework for regular business exchanges, trade and investment missions, and information sharing between our business communities,” he said.

“To our Slovenian friends, let me assure you that Philippine businesses are eager to explore partnerships with you. I understand that there are a few Slovenian companies currently operating in the Philippines, and I hope today will further balloon your presence in the country,” he added.

PCCI President Enunina V. Mangio said that the Philippines and Slovenia offer natural synergies in many high-value sectors.

“In manufacturing, for example, we see opportunities for technology transfer and supply chain integration. In information and digital technology, possibilities for joint ventures in software development, digital services, artificial intelligence, and other emerging technologies abound,” she said.

“Tourism presents untapped potential for cross-promotion and sustainable development models. And in human resource development, we can share best practices that enhance our competitiveness globally,” she added.

According to Ms. Majerič, Slovenian companies see the Philippines as a possible gateway to Asia.

“Your big advantage is your English-speaking people, and the second advantage that we see is your people are really eager to grow and learn,” she said.

“But besides that, your openness and your politics in terms of free zones and industrial parks give us possibilities in terms of approaching other markets,” she added.

She said that the Philippines is a possible springboard for US trade.

“In terms of the new American politics, the Philippines still has positive ties, so we see the possibility to step into the US market as well,” she added.

She said that the trade volume between the Philippines and Slovenia was 16 million euros in 2024. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

Philippines needs 9-9.5% growth to return to pre-pandemic track 

PHILIPPINE STAR/WALTER BOLLOZOS

THE economy needs to grow by at least 9% to 9.5% a year until 2028 to return to its pre-pandemic growth track, a former Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) official said.

During the MAP Economic Briefing and General Membership Meeting, GlobalSource Partners analyst Diwa C. Guinigundo said that the current government’s target of “between 6% to 8% annually, by 2036 (the Philippines) should be reaching only P60 trillion.”

“To overcome this setback, growth will have to be between 9% to 9.5% through 2028 to be able to return to the original growth path,” he said.

Last year, Mr. Guinigundo pushed for targets of 9.4% growth.

The Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) on December trimmed the economic growth estimate for this year to 6-6.5% but widened the target band to 6-8% until 2028, due to “evolving domestic and global uncertainties.”

Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto described as “doable” growth of between 6% and 6.5%.

In 2024, the economy expanded by 5.6%, following a 5.5% reading in 2023. It fell short of the government’s revised 6-6.5% target.

“We grew by only 5.5% in 2023 and 5.6% last year. Of course, we take pride in saying Philippine growth performance surpassed the global average in 2022 and 2023 of 3.5% and 3.3% respectively,” he said. 

“But we had the economy stall in 2020 and the years following that, so we have a lot of catching up to do.”

Mr. Guinigundo said risks to the economy include fiscal and debt sustainability, with revenue effort remaining low, food security issues, and political disunity.

“Since the Trump policy of tariff increases and tax cuts are potentially inflationary, we don’t expect the Fed to be very aggressive in reducing the target interest rate,” he added in his presentation.

“With the BSP having the space to further ease monetary policy, we see a potential capital outflow, peso depreciation, and therefore, the resurgence of inflation.”

Mr. Guinigundo noted that the budget deficit, which narrowed to P1.506 trillion in 2024, remains  in the “trillion mark.”

He said improved tax administration can only yield much, as can “squeezing” state-run firms for more dividends.

“This is after Congress forced the split banks and other GOCCs to continue to the Maharlika Investment Fund. No wonder, from the pre-pandemic (debt) of $7.7 trillion, we saw the crisis ending at $16 trillion. In January 2025, $300 billion was added to National Government debt,” he said. — Aubrey Rose A. Inosante

Finances, starting business top Filipino wish lists in 2025

PHILIPPINE STAR/MIGUEL DE GUZMAN

THE Boston Consulting Group (BCG) said financial security and health will remain the top goals for Filipinos in 2025.

Citing the results of an October study, BCG said 58% of survey participants ranked financial security as their most important goal, followed by starting their businesses at 56%.

In an interview with BusinessWorld, BCG Principal Sitti Reyes said these goals may not significantly change from last year and could be amplified given the global uncertainties prevailing.

“These dreams are underpinned really by kind of the anxiety and a lack of trust that they can thrive in those conditions,” she said.

The study also noted that Filipinos increased spending on supplements by 11%, on medicine by 5%, and on preventive healthcare by 19%. Personal spending on health maintenance organizations (HMO) declined 3%.

The dearth of spending on HMOs was explained by a preference for products promising immediate value, she said.

“It is also a perception issue at this point. So you could be spending P20,000-P30,000, something that you may not use. It’s just for when (emergencies) come,” she said.

In the same report, 60% of respondents said they have a health plan.

Only 65% considered themselves prepared for medical emergencies. Among those without a healthcare plan, the rate was 21%. — Aubrey Rose A. Inosante

PHL still importing bulk of dairy needs despite improving self-sufficiency rate

REUTERS

THE milk self-sufficiency rate rose to 1.66% in 2024 from 0.8% a year earlier, according to the National Dairy Authority (NDA).

Dairy production increased 11.31% to 32.39 million liters last year, Administrator Marcus Antonius T. Andaya said at the NDA’s 30th anniversary event on Wednesday.

“That translates to 1.66% milk sufficiency,” he said. “It may not be spectacular increase, but an increase is an increase.”

Mr. Andaya said the dairy herd rose 56% to 156,000 dairy animals in 2024.

These animals include cattle, carabaos, and goats.

Mr. Andaya told reporters that the NDA expects to hit its 2.5% self-sufficiency target this year. The target is 5% in 2028.

The NDA reported that dairy imports rose 19.99% 3,495.88 million liters last year. — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza

PEZA taps BDO for investment promotion tie-up

BW FILE PHOTO

THE Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) said it appointed BDO Unibank, Inc. as its investment promotion partner.

In a Facebook post on Wednesday, PEZA said it signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with BDO on March 10.

“This MoU solidifies a powerful synergy between PEZA’s mandate and BDO’s extensive network, its status as the only globally recognized Philippine bank with full international coverage, and its financial expertise in supporting trade, commerce, and investments,” said PEZA.

“PEZA recognizes BDO’s strong commitment to financial inclusion and business expansion, which aligns perfectly with its goal of driving regional development, enhancing competitiveness, and positioning the Philippines as a top investment destination,” it added.

PEZA now has four partner banks for trade, commerce, and investment support and facilitation, the others being Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp., Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., and HSBC.

“Through strategic partnerships like this, we further strengthen our capacity to attract both foreign and local investors and ensure that our economic zones continue to be prime locations for growth, innovation, and sustainability,” PEZA Director General Tereso O. Panga said.

BDO is a member of the SM Group, which operates 25 information technology centers and parks hosting 76 PEZA locators.

“Together with PEZA, we aim to maximize the benefits of the CREATE MORE Law and its newly signed IRR to drive more foreign direct investment,” BDO Executive Vice-President and Head of Institutional Banking Group Charles M. Rodriguez said.

Signed into law on Nov. 12, CREATE MORE, or the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy Act, aims to increase foreign direct investment.

In a separate statement, PEZA said it signed a supplemental agreement with Collins Aerospace to expand the company’s operations at the First Philippine Industrial Park Special Economic Zone.

“The company’s registered activities now cover a broader scope, including manufacturing, assembly, distribution, and certification of aircraft interior components, as well as the repair, maintenance, and servicing of aerospace systems,” PEZA said. 

“Through this strengthened collaboration, PEZA continues to foster a thriving, technology-driven investment landscape, positioning the Philippines as a key player in the global aerospace industry,” it added. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

A refresher on taxes for campaign contributions

I was browsing through the envelopes in my mailbox when I found an unsolicited letter that had been sitting there for some time. I wondered how the sender got my home address. It turned out to be a greeting from a city councilor. It did not look like the usual political ad, but the name and message of the sender remained in my mind. Indeed, some politicians have been preparing for the elections and reaching out to potential voters even before the campaign period began. Apart from the actual elections, one of the important things that they should have in mind are the tax aspects of campaign contributions.

Recently, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) issued RMC 16-2025 to remind candidates and everyone else participating in the May 12 elections of their tax obligations.

As a rule, campaign expenditures of political parties and candidates in local and national elections are subject to 5% creditable withholding tax (CWT). Likewise, purchases made by individuals or juridical persons intended to be given as campaign contribution to political parties and candidates are subject to 5% CWT. The withholding tax system helps our government ensure that election-related income is taxed and provides a way to monitor the reporting of these transactions.

On the part of the candidates, political parties, or party-list groups, the accurate withholding of taxes is crucial since only the expenses that were subjected to the 5% CWT can be considered as utilized campaign funds. Otherwise, if the CWT is not withheld and remitted, the corresponding expense shall be treated as unutilized campaign funds.

Aside from withholding taxes, any candidate, political party, or party-list group, win or lose, is required to file with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) a Statement of Contributions and Expenditures as provided under the Omnibus Election Code. Without this, they may not claim their expenses as deductions from the campaign contributions.

Ultimately, any unutilized or excess campaign funds after deducting the allowable campaign expenditures is subject to income tax. Thus, there is a real economic consequence for candidates if CWT is not withheld and if the expenses are not reported to the Comelec. No further deduction, either itemized or optional, may be made against such taxable income. Compliance is therefore critical.

Considering such a hefty price of not complying with the requirements or conditions of deductibility of campaign expenditures, candidates should be mindful of the following registration and reporting requirements.

First, all candidates receiving donations or spending for their campaign have the duty to register or update their registration with the BIR. Further, those receiving donations and campaign contributions must secure a Non-VAT BIR Printed invoice purchased from the Revenue District Office (RDO) where they are registered. The invoice shall be issued for every contribution (whether in cash or kind).

Second, all political parties or party-list groups and candidates must comply with the tax return filing and remittance requirements. This includes the following:

1.   Monthly remittance of CWT using BIR Form No. 0619-E on or before the 10th day of the month after the tax was withheld;

2.   Filing and payment of the quarterly withholding tax return (BIR Form No. 1601-EQ) on or before the last day of the month after the end of the quarter after the tax was withheld. This must include the Quarterly Alphalist of Payees (QAP);

3.   Filing the Annual Information Return of CWT (BIR Form No. 1604-E) as well as the Statement of Contributions and Expenditures duly stamped “Received” by the Comelec on or before March 1, 2026; and

4. Reporting any unutilized/excess campaign funds as taxable income.

Third, political parties and party-list groups are expected to keep adequate books and other accounting records such as a Cash Receipts Journal and a Cash Disbursements Book as the basis for the Statement of Contributions and the Statement of Expenditures for submission to the Comelec. On the other hand, individual candidates may opt to use a simplified set of bookkeeping records if it can provide accurate information. The records of contributions and expenditures, together with all pertinent documents, must be preserved for a period of three years from the close of the taxable year during which the election was held (or until Dec. 31, 2028 for the 2025 elections).

Finally, every candidate and Treasurer of the political parties or party-list groups must submit the Statement of Contributions and Expenditures to Comelec and the RDO where the candidates, political parties or party-list groups are registered within 30 days after the election.

Incidentally, after the elections, the registration of individuals in their capacity as candidates shall automatically end 10 days after the deadline of filing the quarterly withholding tax return, so they need not apply for cancellation or update of their registration with the BIR. However, the political parties’ registration including party-list groups shall remain intact, unless they opt to have this updated.

On the part of the contributors, only those donations or contributions that have been utilized or spent during the campaign period as set by the Comelec are exempt from donor’s tax. Donations utilized before or after the campaign period are subject to donor’s tax and not deductible as political contributions on the part of the donor. Thus, for supporters, it’s also important to monitor the contributions and see that these are duly spent and accounted for. If not, they may be subject to taxes as well.

The election season is now in full swing, and once again, I am reminded of the power of the electorate to decide on how we want to move forward as one country in the coming years. We must never forget our civic responsibilities and obligations, candidates or voters alike, to contribute to a successful election and help protect, if not advance, the democracy that we have today.

The views or opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Isla Lipana & Co. The content is for general information purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for specific advice.

 

Delila Dayag is an assistant manager at the Tax Services department of Isla Lipana & Co., the Philippine member firm of the PwC network.

delila.l.dayag@pwc.com

Plane carrying Duterte to ICC heads to Rotterdam; VP flies to Amsterdam

PCOO

A PLANE carrying former Philippine President Rodrigo R. Duterte to the International Criminal Court (ICC) took off for Rotterdam after being delayed by a few hours during a layover in Dubai, a source told Reuters on Wednesday.

Duterte, who led the Philippines from 2016 to 2022, was arrested early on Tuesday in Manila, marking the biggest step yet in the ICC’s probe into alleged crimes against humanity during an anti-illegal drug crackdown that killed thousands and drew condemnation around the world.

The plane had originally been set to land at Rotterdam Airport around 6 a.m. GMT, but tracking service Flightradar 24 showed it was delayed after a layover in Dubai and should now arrive around 4:25 p.m. GMT.

A source at the ICC, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the plane had taken off.

About 20 anti-Duterte protesters gathered outside the court in The Hague with banners and a mask depicting him as a vampire.

Duterte received medical attention during the layover in Dubai, according to ABS-CBN News, which showed on its website photos of what it said were police doctors checking on the tough-talking leader as he lay on an airplane bed.

A spokesperson for the Philippine National Police said the medical checks were routine “regular vital signs and monitoring.”

His daughter Vice-President (VP) Sara Duterte boarded a morning flight to Amsterdam, her office said in a statement, but it did not say what she intended to do there or how long she planned to stay in the Netherlands.

The ICC’s press office declined to comment. One of Mr. Duterte’s lawyers did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Officials in Dubai also did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Mr. Duterte, 79, could become the first Asian former head of state to go on trial at the ICC.

Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. told a press conference on Tuesday night that the plane carrying his predecessor was en route to The Hague, saying that would allow the former President “to face charges of crimes against humanity in relation to his bloody war on drugs.”

The war on drugs was the signature campaign platform that swept the mercurial Mr. Duterte to power in 2016. During his six years in office, 6,200 suspects were killed during anti-drug operations, by the police’s count.

Activists say the real toll was far greater, with many thousands more slum drug users gunned down in mysterious circumstances, some of whom were on community “watch lists” after they signed up for treatment.

Silvestre H. Bello III, a former Labor secretary and one of the ex-president’s lawyers, said a legal team would meet to assess options and seek clarity on where Mr. Duterte would be taken and whether they would be granted access to him.

NO TRO
Also on Wednesday, the Philippine Supreme Court (SC) rejected a plea by Senator Ronald M. Dela Rosa — Mr. Duterte’s national police chief who enforced the drug war — to stop the Marcos government from cooperating with the ICC probe.

“After a virtual deliberation on the 94-page petition, the SC found that the petitioners failed to establish a clear and unmistakable right for the immediate issuance of a temporary restraining order (TRO),” it said in a statement.

The High Court gave the respondents — Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla, Interior and Local Government Secretary Juanito Victor C. Remulla, Jr. and National Police Chief Rommel Francisco D. Marbil — 10 days to comment on the lawsuit.

“If all legal remedies are exhausted and still justice is to no avail, then I don’t want my family to suffer from cops looking for a heartbeat,” Mr. Dela Rosa told reporters in a Viber message. “I am ready to join the old man hoping that they would allow me to take care of him.”

He said he was in the mountains of Surigao and Agusan, even as he denied having gone into hiding. “I’m ready to submit myself to the authorities.”

Meanwhile, Mr. Duterte’s son and daughter filed separate petitions at the Supreme Court seeking the tough-talking leader’s release.

In a 32-page habeas corpus petition, Davao City Mayor Sebastian Z. Duterte sought his father’s “unconditional release,” saying he was being illegally detained over an unverified and “unenforceable” ICC arrest warrant.

The writ of habeas corpus is a legal remedy against illegal detention and compels a public official to justify the detention.

“The attempt to subject a Filipino citizen — particularly a former head of state — to foreign jurisdiction without due process under Philippine law constitutes an unprecedented assault on national independence and self-determination,” he said in the pleading.

Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Clarissa A. Castro said the case might already be moot since Mr. Duterte is already out of the country.

“He was still treated as a Filipino and as a former President,” she told a news briefing. “He was accompanied by a complete team including doctors, nurses and his lawyers. So, it is not true that he was not given proper attention, especially regarding his medical needs.”

Mr. Duterte’s daughter Veronica also asked the Philippine tribunal through Salvador S. Panelo, his father’s lawyer, to order his release.

The court said both pleadings would be raffled.

“It is not within our laws to determine whether President Duterte should be held accountable under the ICC,” Mr. Panelo told reporters after filing the lawsuit, based on a video sent via Viber.

“In fact, we cited in our petition the statements of our government to the ICC, asserting that they have no jurisdiction over us because our legal system in the Philippines is thriving.”

“Now that Rodrigo Duterte has been arrested on an ICC warrant sans any form of resistance from the current administration, we can expect the full force of international law to be applied on his case,” Edwin S. Estrada, who teaches international relations at De La Salle College of Saint Benilde School of Diplomacy and Governance, said in a Viber message.

“The trial validates the country’s respect for the rule of law but critics against the ICC trial could see the case as tarnishing the Philippines’ sovereignty and independence from foreign influence particularly the West,” he added. — John Victor D. Ordoñez with Reuters

Congressmen ask Marcos government to rejoin ICC

PRESIDENT FERDINAND R. MARCOS, JR. — PHILIPPINE STAR/NOEL PABALATE

THE PHILIPPINES should rejoin the International Criminal Court (ICC) to ensure accountability for its leaders, congressmen said on Wednesday, a day after ex-President Rodrigo R. Duterte was arrested to stand trial before the Hague-based tribunal for crimes against humanity.

“We should really consider rejoining,” Deputy Majority Leader and La Union Rep. Francisco Paolo P. Ortega V said in a news briefing. “In case these kinds of problems happen again, we have a tool or a measuring stick.”

Mr. Duterte, 79, unilaterally withdrew the Philippines from the ICC’s founding treaty in 2019 when it started looking into allegations of systematic extrajudicial killings in connection with anti-illegal drug campaign.

He was flown by Philippine authorities to the Netherlands after the ICC ordered his arrest as part of its investigation of his bloody drug war that killed thousands.

Party-list Rep. Raul Angelo D. Bongalon said Mr. Duterte’s decision to pull away from the ICC was a “belated reaction” to its investigation into his bloody drug war, which led to 6,200 suspects being killed during anti-drug operations that they say ended in shootouts.

Human rights groups have said as many as 30,000 people might have died.

Rejoining the International Criminal Court would protect Filipinos, Mr. Bongalon said, adding that the government has a responsibility to safeguard its citizens.

“It’s for the protection of the people,” he told the same briefing. “And the state should… give protection to our people. One way of doing this is for us to rejoin the Rome Statute,” he said, referring to the treaty that established the ICC.

“If there is that initiative on the part of the administration, I would support it,” Assistant Majority Leader and Party-list Rep. Jude A. Acidre told the briefing, but noted that it would ultimately be up to the Senate to decide.

“The Senate is responsible for concurring with the treaties we accede to.”

The 1987 Philippine Constitution states that international agreements are not binding unless approved by at least two-thirds of the Senate.

The Senate ratified Philippine membership in the ICC in August 2011. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

Energy bodies urged to get backup electricity for midterm elections

PHILIPPINE STAR/EDD GUMBAN

THE PHILIPPINE government should prevent power interruptions from disrupting this year’s midterm elections by preparing for higher electricity demand during the summer months, an energy advocacy group said on Tuesday.

The Energy department and other related agencies should ensure the country’s grid remains well-maintained and secure sufficient backup electricity sources to avoid disruptions on election day, Nic Satur, Jr., chief advocate officer for Partners for Affordable and Reliable Energy, said in a statement.

“We can’t have power going out in the middle of the elections because that puts their integrity and credibility at risk,” he added.

The Philippines will hold midterm elections in May, when temperatures are expected to reach about 40°C, according to the state weather bureau.

Power disruptions during the summer months remain a problem for the Southeast Asian nation due to high heat and increased electricity demand, according to a 2024 Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities report.

The Philippines was placed under 16 red alerts and 62 yellow alerts last year, leading to nationwide rotational power brownout due to thinning supplies.

The Philippine island of Luzon was placed under a yellow warning last week, the first this year, due to slimming margins between available power supply and demand.

The National Grid Corp. of the Philippines said peak demand hit 11,829 megawatts (MW) against available capacity of 12,488 MW, according to its advisory.

“The March 5, 2025 Luzon yellow alert is more than just an energy issue; it’s a warning that power disruptions could sabotage the midterm elections,” Mr. Satur said.

Having continuous yellow and red alerts could lead to brownouts that could disrupt electronic voting and transmission, he added.

He urged electric cooperatives to check their grid infrastructure and ensure they have enough backup power on election day.

The Department of Energy (DoE) in February activated a task force meant to ensure “smooth and credible elections” without power disruptions. Filipinos will pick more than 300 congressmen, 12 senators and thousands of local posts on May 12.

The so-called Energy Task Force Election would operate a centralized command and monitoring hub on election day to “address potential power issues in real time,” while conducting inspections of power facilities to fix possible grid issues, the DoE said in a statement posted on its website. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

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