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Full electrification by 2028 goal under review on funding doubts

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THE Department of Energy (DoE) said it will review its target of achieving total electrification by 2028 amid concerns about the availability of funding.

“Since the President is approaching the middle of his term, it is a good time to review how realistic our targets and the funding available are and whether we can think of ways to hasten or to make them more realistic,” Energy Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla told reporters on the sidelines of an event on Wednesday.

Mr. Lotilla said that the DoE will discuss the total electrification program and the challenges in meeting the target during the next cabinet sector meeting with President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.

The 2023-2032 National Total Electrification Roadmap (NTER) sets a 100% electrification target by 2028 by focusing on household electrification, distribution line extension, stand-alone home systems, and microgrid systems.

However, Mr. Lotilla said the Philippines will need at least P85 billion to P100 billion in order to achieve the electrification goal at the household level.

The estimated amount is intended not only to finance the household electrification, but also to improve backbone lines, especially in off-grid areas, Mr. Lotilla said.

NTER estimates the current household electrification level at 91.1% as of June 2023, with 25.3 million households served out of a potential 27.727 million, based on the 2020 Census on Population and Housing.

For the rest of 2023, the estimated number of underserved households total 2.454 million.

“If the funds are available, it would take an average of around P25 billion a year to finish electrification,” Mr. Lotilla said. “Congress appropriates on a yearly basis so we don’t know if there will be sufficient funds.”

Energy Undersecretary Rowena Cristina L. Guevara has said that about P100 billion is needed for total electrification, with P75 billion going to the electric cooperatives supervised by the National Electrification Administration and about P25 billion to the National Power Corp.

“As of the midpoint of the administration, the average budget has only been between P2 billion to P3 billion a year and therefore we have a long way to go before we can achieve that goal. So we are looking at ways and means to achieve the total electrification goal,” Mr. Lotilla said.

The DoE is also preparing to ensure energy resiliency during the upcoming mid-term elections.

With the official campaign period set to begin next week, the department has activated Task Force Election to ensure uninterrupted power for the campaign period and voting.

The DoE said it is working with the Commission on Elections and the Department of National Defense to safeguard the integrity and smooth conduct of the elections “through strategic energy sector preparedness before, during, and after the electoral process.”

“Ensuring uninterrupted power during elections is crucial to upholding the integrity of the electoral process and maintaining public confidence. By prioritizing energy resiliency, Task Force Election plays a vital role in guaranteeing smooth and credible elections, free from power-related disruptions,” Energy Undersecretary Felix William B. Fuentebella said.

The DoE said that the task force will remain on standby throughout the election period at a command hub to monitor and address potential power issues in real time.

The DoE is also collaborating with the Department of Interior and Local Government to ensure the availability of critical backup resources, including generator sets and emergency lamps at key locations.

The DoE added that it will release the terms of reference this month for the fourth round of the green energy auction program (GEA-4), which will cover integrated renewable energy and energy storage systems.

The Terms of Reference outlines the auction design, bond requirements, instructions to bidders, bidding data, forms and templates, and post-auction requirements.

The draft GEA-4 terms of reference will be subject to public consultations.

The government hopes to expand the share of renewable energy capacity in the energy mix to 35% by 2030. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera

Balisacan backs anti-trust legislation for agriculture to boost food security

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NATIONAL ECONOMIC and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan said anti-trust legislation will be crucial in ensuring food security.

“We must complement antitrust tools with strategies to address structural issues that shape firm behavior in the agriculture sector and related industries,” Mr. Balisacan, a former competition commissioner, said in his speech at the 2025 Manila Forum on Competition in Developing Countries.

“Pro-competitive legislation, policies, regulations, and programs or projects can contribute toward safeguarding consumers and producers from uncompetitive and unfair conduct,” he added.

However, Mr. Balisacan said competition policy is not a universal solution, though it can promote efficiency and resilience.

He also cited recent government efforts to control food inflation, such as lowering the rice tariffs and removing non-tariff barriers “encourage market players to augment the food supply.”

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that headline inflation rose 2.9% year on year in January, matching the December print.

Food inflation accelerated to 4% from 3.5% in December and 3.3% in 2024.

The PSA said tomato price growth accelerated to 155.7% from 120.8% a month earlier.

“Together, let us work for fairer markets and amplify the pivotal role of competition in this important sector as we collectively aspire for food security and shared prosperity for all,” Mr. Balisacan said. — Aubrey Rose A. Inosante

UN-funded program hoping to digitize 15,000 PHL small firms

REUTERS

A PROGRAM funded by the United Nations is seeking to provide digital tools and training to at least 15,000 small businesses in the Philippines, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) said.

The United Nations Joint Programme on Inclusive, Competitive, and Responsible Digital Philippines (Digital PINAS) hopes to build a digital ecosystem for micro, small and medium enterprises in remote regions who are currently facing barriers to connectivity.

In a statement on Feb. 3, the UNDP said the initiative was jointly implemented with two UN entities — the International Trade Centre (ITC), and the International Labour Organization.

The government is represented in the program by  the Department of Information and Communications Technology, while potential private-sector partners will be enlisted.

Information and Communications Secretary Ivan John E. Uy said despite advances in connectivity and digital adoption, millions remain without such access, especially vulnerable communities.

“With a total budget of $5 million, the joint program will address policy, regulatory and systemic barriers to digital inclusion,” the UNDP said.

The UNDP said the program includes supporting the establishment of Digital Transformation Hubs in at least 30 remote and underserved areas.

Digital PINAS is funded through the UN’s Joint SDG Fund, which is supported by the European Union, which pledged an initial 30 million euros for digital transformation efforts across the developing world.

Other supporters of the Fund include Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and South Korea.

“To complement the program’s investment, a key component of the initiative involves the mobilization of an anticipated $21 million in local government and private sector investment in digital products,” the UNDP said. — Aubrey Rose A. Inosante

PHL shares fall on profit taking after 3-day climb

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PHILIPPINE STOCKS dropped on Thursday as the market succumbed to profit taking following its three-day rally and amid political uncertainty after the House of Representatives impeached Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio.

The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) declined by 0.62% or 39.11 points to end at 6,241.97 on Thursday, while the broader all shares index slipped by 0.26% or 9.61 points to 3,687.05.

“The local market pulled back as investors took profits from its preceding three-day rally,” Philstocks Financial, Inc. Senior Research Analyst Japhet Louis O. Tantiangco said in a Viber message.

“The PSEi corrected slightly lower, considered healthy profit-taking, after some political noise lately amid the impeachment of Vice-President Duterte by the House of Representatives that could potentially distract lawmakers from passing reform measures,” Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort said in a Viber message.

Ms. Duterte, the daughter of former President Rodrigo R. Duterte, was impeached by the House after 215 congressmen signed the impeachment complaint, exceeding the one-third legal requirement before it can be sent to the Senate.

The House cited Ms. Duterte’s alleged abuse of power and constitutional violations stemming from her use of confidential funds as reasons behind her impeachment.

“Philippine investors finally took some profit after several days of rallying from the local market as many continue to assess the latest consumer price index report and the latest geopolitical movements abroad,” Regina Capital Development Corp. Head of Sales Luis A. Limlingan added in a Viber message.

The benign January inflation print of 2.9%, steady from the December 2024 level, “strengthens the case for future monetary easing, supporting a more favorable outlook for equities,” Mr. Limlingan said.

Most sectoral indices closed lower on Thursday. Property declined by 1.24% or 29.93 points to 2,375.89; financials went down by 0.82% or 19.10 points to 2,285.78; services retreated by 0.5% or 10.32 points to 2,048.84; and holding firms dropped by 0.22% or 11.82 points to 5,204.80.

Meanwhile, industrials rose by 0.51% or 44.18 points to 8,711.24 and mining and oil went up by 0.22% or 16.60 points to 7,344.86.

“Bloomberry Resorts Corp. was the day’s index leader, jumping 7.61% to P4.10. Ayala Land, Inc. was at the tail end, falling 2.12% to P25.35,” Mr. Tantiangco said.

Value turnover dropped to P5.13 billion on Thursday with 622.78 million shares changing hands from the P7.50 billion with 673.73 million issues traded on Wednesday.

Advancers outnumbered decliners, 91 versus 85, while 60 names were unchanged.

Net foreign buying went down to P178.25 million on Thursday from P324.94 million on Wednesday. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave

Philippine Senate chief says they can’t try impeached VP Duterte until June

VICE-PRESIDENT SARA DUTERTE-CARPIO — FACEBOOK.COM/OFFICEOFTHEVICEPRESIDENTPH

THE PHILIPPINE Senate can’t convene as an impeachment court to try Vice-President (VP) Sara Duterte-Carpio for corruption and other charges since Congress would soon be on a four-month break, according to its chief.

Senate President Francis G. Escudero on Thursday noted that senators must take an oath as impeachment jurors, which they need to do while the Legislature is in session. “Legally, it cannot be done,” he told a news briefing.

That means her trial will have to wait until June, when a new set of senators and congressmen resume sessions after the midterm elections in May. Filipinos will pick more than 300 congressmen and 12 of the 24-member Senate, along with other local government officials on May 12.

Mr. Escudero said they could hold a special session to pass bills during the break, but not as an impeachment court. “To swear in the impeachment judges, the Senate must be in session.”

“We will not rush this,” he said. “We will not delay it excessively either. We will not be pressured by anyone.”

The House of Representatives on Wednesday impeached the vice president for alleged abuse of power and constitutional violations stemming from her use of confidential funds, paving the way for her trial by the Senate.

The impeachment complaint against Ms. Duterte, daughter of former President Rodrigo R. Duterte, was filed and signed by 215 congressmen, more than the one-third legal requirement before it can be sent to the Senate, which will try her as an impeachment court.

Under the 1987 Constitution, several congressmen will be serving as impeachment prosecutors.

The House delivered a quick and stunning blow against the estranged vice president, who has denied wrongdoing, allowing it to send the ouster charges immediately to the Senate without further hearings.

The ouster charges consisted of seven articles of impeachment, including allegations of plotting the assassination of the President, misusing secret funds, amassing unexplained wealth and committing acts of destabilization.

Her impeachment is a major setback for the influential Duterte family, whose popularity grew rapidly after Mr. Duterte was swept to power in 2016 as a maverick, crime-busting mayor. As President, he upended Philippine foreign policy and launched a drug war that killed thousands.

Ms. Duterte is the fourth Philippine official to be impeached or charged with misconduct after ex-President Joseph E. Estrada in 2000, Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez in March 2011 and Chief Justice Renato Corona in December 2011.

Mr. Estrada and Mr. Corona were both convicted and removed from office by the Senate on corruption charges, while Ms. Gutierrez resigned before she could be tried. Chief Justice Maria Lourdes P.A. Sereno was ousted by the Supreme Court in 2018 amid impeachment proceedings before a House committee.

Meanwhile, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. said he did not have a hand in Ms. Duterte’s impeachment.

“The Executive cannot have a hand in the impeachment. It does not have a role in impeachment,” he told a news briefing at the presidential palace. “What the House has done is clearly the constitutional mandate that they have to proceed with the impeachment complaints.”

Also on Thursday, Iloilo Rep. Lorenz R. Defensor said the Constitution provides that once an impeachment complaint is transmitted, “trial by the Senate shall forthwith proceed.”

“Regardless of how early they (senators) act on it, we will respect that,” he told a news briefing. “However, I hope this trial proceeds because this is the perfect opportunity for all parties involved.”

“We will be prepared if ever the Senate does indeed interpret that they could proceed with trial as early as March. If they decide that it will continue after June 2, we will be even more ready,” he added.

The vice president’s impeachment marks the peak in the escalating political conflict between two of the country’s most influential clans. The falling out of the Dutertes and Marcoses has resulted in the shattering of what was once a formidable political alliance that gave them landslide wins in the 2022 elections.

The quarrel reached a climax when Ms. Duterte in a November news briefing said she had hired an assassin to kill Mr. Marcos, his wife and the Speaker, in case she herself were killed. She later said her remarks had been taken out of context.

The President had dissuaded the House from pursuing her impeachment. 

The Dutertes have some allies in the Senate, including Mr. Duterte’s ex-police chief and former chief presidential aide. At least 16 votes are needed for conviction.

A January Social Weather Stations poll found that four of 10 Filipinos support efforts to remove Ms. Duterte from office. — Norman P. Aquino, John Victor D. Ordoñez and Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

US Defense chief vows to continue deterrence with PHL in South China Sea

A Chinese Coast Guard vessel fires its water cannon at Unaizah Mae 4 during a Philippine resupply mission for Filipino troops stationed on BRP Sierra Madre in Second Thomas Shoal on March 5, 2024. — ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES

By John Victor D. Ordoñez, Reporter

US DEFENSE Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday spoke on the phone with his Philippine counterpart Gilberto Eduardo Gerardo C. Teodoro, Jr. to discuss boosting deterrence in the South China Sea amid rising tensions with China, according to the US Department of State.

“The leaders discussed the importance of reestablishing deterrence in the South China Sea, including by working with allies and partners,” the US agency said. “They also discussed enhancing the capability and capacity of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.”

Mr. Hegseth reaffirmed Washington’s “ironclad” commitment to its Mutual Defense Treaty with Manila to secure peace in the Indo-Pacific region. He also vowed to work with Mr. Teodoro in boosting defense cooperation efforts between both countries.

“US-Philippine military deterrence efforts against China cannot contribute to the peaceful settlement of conflict in the South China Sea,” Rommel C. Banlaoi, chairman of the Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence and Terrorism Research, said in a Viber message.

Manila is better off pursuing diplomatic means and negotiation to resolve its dispute with Beijing and avoid the militarization of the South China Sea, he added.

Philippine and US air forces held joint patrols over the South China Sea on Tuesday, a move that angered China, which also conducted a “routine patrol” over the disputed Scarborough Shoal.

The one-day exercise by the treaty allies took place in the West Philippine Sea, Philippine Air Force spokesperson Maria Consuelo Castillo said, using Manila’s term for waters in the South China Sea that fall within its exclusive economic zone.

China’s military accused the Philippines of joining patrols that it said were organized by foreign countries to “undermine peace and stability” in the waterway.

While China has always maintained its presence in the waterway, claimed in part by the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Vietnam, tensions have risen over the past years as it continued engaging in dangerous activities, such as firing water cannons, shadowing, and ramming.

“It shows that Washington needs to strengthen further its alliance with Manila to boost deterrence in the South Chian Sea amid the great power rivalry in the region,” Chester B. Cabalza, founding president at Manila-based International Development and Security Cooperation, said in a Facebook Messenger chat.

Last month, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio talked about China’s “dangerous and destabilizing actions in the South China Sea” with Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique A. Manalo and underscored the “ironclad” US defense commitment to Manila.

The US is the Philippines’ major security partner, with a 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty compelling both nations to defend each other in case of an armed attack.

The Philippines has been embroiled in wrangles at sea with China in the past two years and the two countries have faced off regularly around disputed features in the South China Sea that fall within Manila’s exclusive economic zone.

The US military has moved its Typhon launchers, which can fire multipurpose missiles up to thousands of kilometers, from Laoag airfield to another location on the island of Luzon, a senior Philippine government source said on Jan. 23, according to Reuters.

The Tomahawk cruise missiles in the launchers can hit targets in both China and Russia from the Philippines. The SM-6 missiles it also carries can strike air or sea targets more than 200 km away.

“The phone call is a sign of continuity to Washington’s ironclad commitment to the Philippines under the Trump administration,” Mr. Cabalza said.

Matthew Forbes Pottinger, a former deputy national security adviser of US President Donald J. Trump, on Feb. 3 said the US and its allies should limit China’s access to technology and data to curb its expansionist ambitions in the South China Sea through coordinated military deterrence.

“It would be better to constrain and temper Xi Jinping’s ambitions now through robust coordinated military deterrence and through strict limits on China’s access to technology, capital and data controlled by our countries,” he told a security forum in Manila.

The Philippines has contested China’s sweeping claim in the waterway through diplomatic channels by filing more than 190 diplomatic protests since President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. took office in 2022.

CHR frowns on police campaign against loose firearms

PHILIPPINE STAR/JOHN FELIX M. UNSON

THE Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Thursday raised concerns about a Philippine police house-to-house initiative to promote responsible gun ownership by asking gun owners to renew their licenses or surrender unlicensed firearms.

In a statement, the agency said any law enforcement activities during the election period should be carried out with the highest regard for due process to avoid abuse.

“The commission emphasizes that while “Oplan Katok” (Knock Plan) is presented as a routine operation, door-to-door visits by police officers — especially without a court-issued warrant — may inadvertently cause fear or intimidation among individuals,” it added, citing the 1987 Constitution.

The law protects people against unwarranted searches and seizures, the CHR said, adding that law enforcement must operate within the bounds of legal and procedural safeguards.

The CHR urged the police to ensure operations respect human rights and dignity, maintain transparency and adhere to constitutional safeguards. This is crucial in the politically charged atmosphere leading up to the elections, it noted.

The constitutional body reaffirmed its commitment to protecting human rights and ensuring that law enforcement measures align with legal frameworks.

The commission also called for a peaceful, fair and humane 2025 election, urging Filipinos to work together to safeguard democratic processes.

Meanwhile, Election Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia said 20% of ballots — 14.8 million out of the 72.1 million goal — have been printed since they resumed printing on Jan. 27. The Commission on Elections (Comelec) aims to finish printing by April 14.

The campaign for national positions will start on Feb. 11 until May 10 and on March 28 to May 10 for local posts, including House of Representatives seats.

Filipinos will pick a new set of representatives and 12 of the 24-member Senate, along with other local officials, on May 12.

In a separate statement on Thursday, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) reaffirmed the restrictions on personnel movement, hiring and promotions in government agencies during the election period, according to law.

The CSC said transfers or temporary assignments are barred from Jan. 12 to June 11 unless approved by the Comelec.

It added that hiring and promotions, including the creation of new positions, salary adjustments or granting privileges are suspended from March 28 to May 11. Exceptions are allowed only for essential positions requiring Comelec approval.

The CSC also said any appointments made by outgoing officials after the elections up to June 30 will be considered invalid unless they comply with the law.

“Agencies and human resource officers are urged to adhere to these rules to ensure fair public service during elections,” it added. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

Marcos extends PNP chief’s term by 4 months

PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE CHIEF ROMMEL FRANCISCO D. MARBIL — PHILIPINE STAR/ RYAN BALDEMOR

PHILIPPINE President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. has extended the term of Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Rommel Francisco D. Marbil by four months ahead of his compulsory retirement on Feb. 7, according to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).

Citing a Feb. 4 memo, addressed to Interior and Local Government Secretary Juanito Victor C. Remulla, the agency said the President approved the extension of Mr. Marbil’s term, starting Feb. 7, when he reaches the compulsory retirement age of 56.

“His tenure as police chief has been marked by initiatives in law enforcement modernization and crime prevention,” according to the PCO.

His term extension comes ahead of the campaign period for candidates taking part in the senatorial and party-list elections on Feb. 11.

The election period for the May 12 midterm polls officially started on Jan. 12 and is expected to end on June 11, the last day for the filing of Statements of Contributions and Expenditures.

In a separate statement, Mr. Marbil said the extension of his term reaffirms the President’s “trust and confidence” in his leadership.

“This extension allows me to focus and work harder on our preparations for the 2025 national and local elections, ensuring that we deliver peaceful, credible, fair, and honest elections,” Mr. Marbil was quoted as saying.

Mr. Marbil has held the police chief post since April last year, when he succeeded General Benjamin C. Acorda, Jr. to lead the agency.

He is the third police chief during the term of Mr. Marcos, who directed him to step up efforts against emerging threats, such as cyber- and transnational crimes, and terrorism.

Mr. Marbil, a member of the Philippine Military Academy’s Sambisig Class of 1991, is also the 30th since the PNP’s creation in 1991.

Mr. Marbil earlier headed the PNP Directorate for Comptrollership and served as the regional director of Police Regional Office 8 and as the director of the Highway Patrol Group. — John Victor D. Ordoñez

Lawmaker vows to push wage hike

WORKERS make customized pet plushies at a factory in Angeles City, Pampanga, March 10, 2023. — REUTERS

A CONGRESSMAN on Thursday said he will fight for the approval of a bill providing a P200 wage hike for low-income workers once the House of Representatives resumes session in June.

The Philippine Congress adjourned on Wednesday, taking a four-month break to give way for the election campaign and midterm polls in May.

“The session will continue in June, and we will have two weeks before the 19th Congress adjourns,” Rizal Rep. Juan Fidel Felipe F. Nograles, who heads the House labor committee, said in a statement.

The House on Monday approved on second reading a bill that seeks to give minimum wage workers a P200 daily increase, a departure from the across-the-board hike for private sector workers endorsed by the House labor committee. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

Customs seizes smuggled agarwood

BOC

THE BUREAU of Customs (BoC) said on Thursday that it seized smuggled agarwood worth P750,000 in a Pasay City warehouse.

In a statement, the BoC said that it intercepted an outbound cargo containing rare, valued agarwood weighing one kilogram declared as dried wood chips.

Agarwood is one of the sought-after woods as it can be used for perfumery, traditional medicine, and luxury products.

“The BoC will continue to uphold strict enforcement measures against wildlife trafficking, ensuring that our borders are not used for illicit activities that threaten biodiversity and environmental sustainability,” Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio said.

Customs said that the confiscated smuggled goods will be turned over to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for proper handling and disposition. — Aubrey Rose A. Inosante

La Union power plant under probe

BAGUIO CITY — The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of La Union, through the Committees on Energy, on Laws, Rules and Privileges and on Finance, Budget and Appropriations, is preparing to probe the sale and operation of a power plant in a La Union town.

SP member Ruperto A. Rillera, Jr. raised issues against the sale and operation of the power plant over claims that they have not received any of the shares from the proceeds derived from the sale of the power plant.

Mr. Rillera stressed that as responsible leaders, it is important to examine the facts, ensure transparency, and uphold the principles of fairness in the distribution of revenues derived from this significant energy facility.

The SP member urged his colleagues to look into the concerns raised, to ensure that the revenue-sharing scheme is equitable and transparent, and to guarantee that the proceeds are used to improve the lives of the people of the La Union town. — Artemio A. Dumlao

4 killed in Maguindanao plane crash

COTABATO CITY — Four individuals were killed in a plane crash in Barangay Malatimon in Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur on Thursday afternoon.

Local executives and Brig. Gen. Romeo Juan Macapaz, director of the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, separately confirmed the incident and asked for enough time to wrap up their joint inquiry on the identities of the crash fatalities.

Witnesses had told investigators and local officials who responded to the incident that they noticed the plane, with body number N349CA, swerved left and right before it fell into a farming enclave in Barangay Malatimon.

Two of the fatalities were Caucasians, according to barangay officials. — John Felix M. Unson

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