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NGCP still studying ERC rate reset decision

STOCK PHOTO | Image by Matthew Henry from Unsplash

THE National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) said it is still studying the decision of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) on its fourth regulatory period rate reset spanning 2016 to 2022.

“There were several items that were disallowed and we’re still studying it further to see the impact on the NGCP side,” NGCP Spokesperson Cynthia P. Alabanza said in a briefing on Monday.

Ms. Alabanza said, however, that the NGCP welcomes the “long overdue” decision.

“We welcome the decision because it will give NGCP the chance to collect the under-recoveries considering the massive investments that have been infused into the transmission system since 2016,” she said.

In a 155-page decision, the ERC approved a maximum allowable revenue (MAR) of P335.78 billion for the NGCP for the period. MAR is the maximum amount the NGCP is allowed to take in annually to recover its operational expenses. 

Following the decision, the NGCP is entitled to recover an additional P28.29 billion in under-recoveries. This translates to an additional P0.0384 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) which will be collected over the next 84 months from the issuance of the decision.

The grid operator confirmed that the collection will start with the July billing period, which will be reflected in electricity bills for August.

Julius Ryan D. Datingaling, head of business and regulatory development at NGCP, said that the collection will be reflected as a separate line item on the consumers’ electricity bills.

The Electric Power Industry Reform Act tasks the ERC to establish a method for setting transmission and distribution wheeling rates. The rates must be set in a way that allows the recovery of “just and reasonable costs and a reasonable return on rate base” to enable the entity to operate viably.

The rate reset process is usually a forward-looking exercise that requires the regulated entity to submit forecast expenditures and proposed projects over a five-year regulatory period. The ERC assesses the actual performance of the entity and adjusts rates as needed.

Meanwhile, transmission charges for the June period, which will be reflected in the July electricity bills, increased 5.49% month on month to P1.2113 per kWh, driven by higher ancillary service (AS) charges.

AS charges, which are the pass-through costs for power supply that stabilizes the grid during instances of power supply-demand imbalance, increased 9.32% to P0.6182 per kWh.

Meanwhile, transmission wheeling rates, or what the NGCP charges for its primary service of delivering power, rose 0.39% to P0.4611 per kWh.

“For the July 2025 electric bill of the end consumers, NGCP charges only P0.46 per kWh for the delivery of its services,” the company said.

Transmission charges reflect the cost to deliver electricity from power generators to the distribution system. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera

WB considering co-financing PHL farm-insurance project

A farmer stands in the middle of a flooded rice field in Alicia, Isabela province, Nov. 23, 2020. — PHILIPPINE STAR/ MICHAEL VARCAS

THE World Bank (WB) is evaluating a Philippine climate-change mitigation insurance project targeted at small farmers, which it could co-finance to raise up to $358 million.

According to project information posted on the World Bank website, the package will consist of “a blended finance credit facility to significantly leverage World Bank funds. It also focuses on establishing the country’s first agricultural co-insurance pool to enable large-scale private-sector agricultural insurance. Additionally, it addresses critical ecosystem challenges related to agricultural credit and insurance, with a portion dedicated to project management.”

The implementing agency for the project in the Philippines will be the Department of Agriculture (DA), with the Department of Finance (DoF) acting as the borrower.

Total commitments from the World Bank and non-bank sources was initially estimated at $358 million as of June 5.

The insurance project will also tap $515 million in unguaranteed commercial financing and $8 million from the Global Shield Financing Facility, a trust fund hosted by the World Bank.

A decision on the package is expected by March 26, 2026.

The World Bank said the loan seeks to close the financing gap for agricultural micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

“MSMEs, despite comprising over 99% of enterprises, employing more than 60% of the workforce, and contributing over 40% of gross domestic product (GDP), face a significant financing gap,” the bank said, noting commercial banks’ risk aversion and MSMEs’ lack of collateral or credit history.

It also seeks to address the low insurance coverage for agriculture in the Philippines, with the industry mainly covered by the public sector.

“Private-sector involvement remains minimal due to a lack of access to government subsidies, data limitations, taxes on private insurance premiums, and perceived riskiness of agricultural insurance. Recent climatic events, like the El Niño-induced drought, underscore the need for new insurance products. With existing insurance lacking in coverage, accessibility, and affordability, many farmers remain vulnerable to financial losses, discouraging investments in productivity-enhancing technologies and practices.” — Aaron Michael C. Sy

PHL to host EITI conference next year

STOCK PHOTO | Image by David Hellmann from Unsplash

THE PHILIPPINES is set to host the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) Global Conference in June next year, the Department of Finance (DoF) said.

“We are the first ever country to host this Global Conference in the region. And that alone sends a strong message that the Philippines is leading by example — not only in upholding EITI’s principles, but in embedding good governance and sustainable resource management at the heart of our extractive industries,” Finance Secretary and PH-EITI Chairman Ralph G. Recto said.

“EITI is the global standard for promoting open, accountable, and well-governed management of oil, gas, and mineral resources. Member countries commit to full transparency across the extractive value chain,” the DoF added.

The conference will bring together delegates from governments, industry, civil society, and academia.

“It will focus on the EITI’s strategic priorities, such as anti-corruption efforts, domestic resource mobilization, and responsible resource governance policies.”

“Moreover, the conference will explore innovations in data use and transparency, as well as address emerging issues and challenges faced by the extractives sector,” it added.

In 2013, the Philippines joined EITI, joining over 50 implementing country members. — Luisa Maria Jacinta C. Jocson

The two-year prescriptive period for refund claims

REFUND OF TAXES IN G.R. NO. 271261
Adding to the wealth of jurisprudence in interpreting the two-year prescriptive period, the Supreme Court revisited the interpretation of the two-year prescriptive period for tax refund claims under Section 229 of the National Internal Revenue Code, as amended in its decision in G.R. No. 271261. The central issue in this case was the proper reckoning point for the two-year prescriptive period and what constitutes “payment of taxes.”

In this case, the petitioner is a corporation engaged in developing and operating tourist facilities such as casino entertainment complexes with hotels, retail, and amusement areas. It has a valid and existing gaming license issued by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR). The petitioner paid taxes to the BIR, claiming that they had “erroneously or illegally collected and passed on input VAT on purchases attributable to gaming revenue.” Thereafter, the petitioner filed an application for a refund with the BIR, which was then denied.

In summary of the proceedings, the claim of refund under Sec. 112 of the Tax Code of the Petitioner failed in the Court of Tax Appeals (CTA) as well as with the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court agrees that while the petitioner is a VAT-exempt entity under special laws, its transactions with suppliers are not considered zero-rated or effectively zero-rated sales under the Tax Code. In the case, the CTA sitting en banc concluded that since the petitioner was seeking the refund of its “erroneous payment of passed-on input VAT on purchases” attributable to gaming revenue for the first quarter of 2016, the applicable provision is Section 229 of the Tax Code for recovery of taxes erroneously paid.

As such, one of the primordial issues raised in the case before the Supreme Court is the interpretation of the phrase “payment of taxes” under Section 229. The petitioner argued that this should be interpreted “as the time the passed-on taxes” are determined to be erroneous, which is the date of the filing of the quarterly VAT return declaring the input VAT subject to the claim for refund. In contrast, the CTA en banc held that the two-year period should be counted from the actual date of payment to the BIR of the VAT passed on to the Petitioner by its suppliers and that the operative act under Section 229 of the Tax Code is the “actual remittance by the supplier.”

In resolving the dispute, the Supreme Court reaffirmed its established jurisprudence on the matter. It emphasized that the phrase “payment of taxes” under Section 229 is to be interpreted in two ways: (1) the actual payment of tax or penalty sought to be refunded, regardless of the existence of any supervening cause after payment, as well as (2) the date of filing of the adjusted final tax return. The court did not require “actual remittance by the suppliers” as the reckoning point. By applying the principle of “substantial justice, equity, and fair play” the court ruled that the actual date of filing of the quarterly VAT return of petitioner should be the reckoning point.

The court clarified that for income tax refunds, the two-year period begins from the filing of the Final Adjustment Return and not when the quarterly income tax was paid. The court established that only on the Final Adjustment Return is when the taxpayer’s actual tax liability or overpayment can be determined. Likewise, the court ruled that the prescriptive period starts from the filing of the adjusted final tax return, which reflects the audited and finalized figures of the taxpayer’s operations. Lastly, the court maintained that it has not required “actual remittance by the suppliers” as the reckoning point; rather, it has consistently reckoned the two-year prescriptive period from the actual payment of tax or penalty sought to be refunded as well as on the date of filing of the adjusted final tax return.

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN SECTIONS 112 AND 229
It must be noted that the petitioner applied for relief with the Court for the application of both Section 112 and Section 229 of the Tax Code. Section 112 pertains to the refund of unutilized creditable input VAT attributable to zero-rated or effectively zero-rated sales. Section 229 pertains to refund of taxes alleged to have been erroneously or illegally assessed or collected, or claimed to have been collected without authority. After all, the amount being refunded herein pertains to “collected and passed-on input VAT on purchases attributable to gaming revenue.”  Eventually, the Court ultimately decided that it is Section 229 (for erroneously, illegally, excessively paid and collected taxes) that is the applicable legal basis in this case and disagreed that Section 112 (for refund of unutilized input VAT) is applicable.

To summarize the difference, as presented in the case above, here are the distinctions between Sections 112 and 229 (see table).

IN SUMMARY
The court’s ruling in G.R. No. 271261 adds clarity to the interpretation of the two-year prescriptive period for tax refund claims under Section 229. By reaffirming that the reckoning point may be either the actual payment of the tax or the filing of the adjusted final tax return, the court underscores its commitment to substantial justice and equitable treatment of taxpayers. This decision not only harmonizes previous jurisprudence but also delineates the boundaries between claims under Sections 229 and 112, providing clearer guidance for taxpayers navigating the complexities of applications for claims for refund of taxes. As tax laws continue to evolve, the decision serves as a timely reminder of the importance of precision in statutory interpretation and the enduring role of jurisprudence in shaping tax administration.

Let’s Talk Tax is a weekly newspaper column of P&A Grant Thornton that aims to keep the public informed of various developments in taxation. This article is not intended to be a substitute for competent professional advice.

 

John Patrick L. Paumig is a manager of the Tax Advisory & Compliance division of P&A Grant Thornton, the Philippine member firm of Grant Thornton International Ltd.

business.development@ph.gt.com

Philippines seeks P11.1 million from China over Thitu Island coral damage

SATELLITE photo of Thitu island — COMMONS.WIKIMEDIA.ORG/NASA

By Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio, Reporter

THE PHILIPPINES is seeking P11.1 million in compensation from China for environmental damage allegedly caused by a Chinese vessel near Thitu Island in the contested South China Sea, a top security official said on Monday.

National Security Council spokesman Cornelio H. Valencia, Jr. said the South China Sea task force supports the recommendation of the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD) to pursue the claim.

“This incident occurred amid heightened activity by Chinese maritime militia and Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessels within the territorial sea of Pag-asa Island (Thitu Island), underscoring persistent operational concerns in the area,” he told a news briefing.

A Chinese vessel dropped anchor in shallow waters less than three kilometers from Thitu Island on June 7, damaging about 465 square meters of coral reef within Philippine waters, according to a PCSD environmental assessment.

The Chinese Embassy in Manila did not immediately reply to requests for comment.

Thitu Island, which the Philippines calls Pag-asa, is part of the resource-rich Spratly Islands. It is about 12 nautical miles (22 kilometers) from China’s air and naval base at Subi Reef. It is administered by the Philippines as a part of the Kalayaan municipality of Palawan Province.

The island is the largest of the Philippine-occupied islands in Spratlys and is the only one with a permanent civilian settlement.

China claims nearly the entire South China Sea under its so-called nine-dash line, which overlaps with the exclusive economic zones of several countries, including the Philippines, Vietnam and Malaysia.

In 2016, a United Nations-backed arbitral tribunal based in The Hague voided Beijing’s sweeping claims. China, however, refuses to recognize the ruling.

Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesman Jay Tristan Tarriela said the PCSD report would be forwarded to the Justice and Foreign Affairs departments for appropriate action.

“It’s up to these two agencies how they can be able to enforce this damage claim as a result of the findings,” he added.

Mr. Tarriela expressed hope that China would pay for the reef damage. “We still accord with them the sense that they are a responsible member of the international community.”

A six-member dive team was deployed on June 17, 10 days after a Chinese vessel bearing hull number 16868 dropped anchor in waters nine meters deep. The team found that roughly 30% of the coral reef patch had been damaged.

PCSD Executive Director Teodoro Jose S. Matta said the affected area was a designated “no-touch zone” by the Philippine government. “No human activity is supposed to be allowed there,” he said.

PCSD biologist Mark Ace V. Dela Cruz detailed the extent of the damage: “The damage we observed consisted of broken fragments. Specifically, broken pieces of branching corals and chipped-off fragments from massive corals.”

Benjamin Jareta Gonzales, a member of the PCSD’s scientific advisory panel, warned that the anchor left by the Chinese ship could cause more harm if not removed.

“The anchor parachute will continue to cover the corals, denying access to sunlight,” he said. “Without sunlight, the coral reef will die.”

He added that the anchor could shift during rough sea conditions, causing additional damage and producing microplastic waste through further contact with the reef.

Mr. Dela Cruz said the dive team initially tried to retrieve the anchor but found it too heavy. “It’s made of high-density nylon material. We tried lifting it, but it was just too heavy,” he said in mixed English and Filipino.

The Philippine Coast Guard is expected to help in retrieving the anchor. Mr. Tarriela noted that the operation would require calm seas and specialized lifting equipment to ensure safety.

The reef damage comes amid escalating tensions in the South China Sea, where Chinese Coast Guard and naval ships continue to enter waters claimed by the Philippines, drawing regular diplomatic protests from Manila.

Senator files resolution seeking Senate probe of spiraling food prices

INDIVIDUALS shop for food items inside a supermarket in Quezon City, Jan. 16, 2023. — PHILIPPINE STAR/ MIGUEL DE GUZMAN

A PHILIPPINE senator has filed a resolution urging a Senate investigation into the continued surge in food prices, citing the persistent burden on Filipino consumers, especially the poor.

“There is a need to review the effectiveness of existing policies, programs and interventions to address the rising cost of food, identify systemic gaps and recommend appropriate legislative and administrative measures,” Senator Francis Pancratius “Kiko” N. Pangilinan said in a statement on Monday.

Senate Resolution No. 5 dated July 8 calls on the Senate agriculture committee to conduct an inquiry into the high prices of food and basic agricultural commodities.

The aim is “to recommend measures to ensure the affordability of food, food security, and protect Filipino consumers,” Mr. Pangilinan said.

“In recent months, prices of essential food items including rice, vegetables, fish, meat and other agricultural products have significantly increased, placing an undue burden on Filipino families, particularly the poor and vulnerable sector,” the senator noted.

He attributed the rise in local food prices to several factors such as supply chain disruptions, high production and transportation costs, import constraints, hoarding, profiteering and climate-related effects on local agriculture.

Despite measures by the government to stabilize food prices, many Filipinos continue to experience limited access to affordable food, Mr. Pangilinan said.

Citing a June 28 survey by Social Weather Stations (SWS), he said the number of Filipinos who experienced involuntary hunger at least once in the past three months rose to 20%, up from 19.1% in April 2025.

The survey also found regional disparities in hunger incidence, with Mindanao posting the highest rate at 26.3%, followed by Metro Manila at 20.3%, the Visayas at 19.7%, and Luzon at 17%.

“The rise in hunger rates reflects the growing difficulty many Filipinos face in accessing food,” Mr. Pangilinan said, stressing the urgency of addressing the problem through legislative and policy interventions.

To curb inflation and stabilize food prices, the Philippine government has implemented several measures, including farm imports to augment local supply, targeted subsidies for farmers and strengthened monitoring of market prices.

However, these efforts have had limited impact, as staple goods such as rice remain expensive for many households.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. pledged during his 2022 campaign to bring rice prices down to P20 per kilo.

But the early years of his administration have instead seen a steady increase in the price of the staple, drawing criticism from consumers and lawmakers alike.

Mr. Pangilinan said a comprehensive review of agricultural policies and food security measures is crucial to developing long-term solutions to rising food costs. — Adrian H. Halili

Senate urged to proceed with Duterte impeachment trial despite SC orders

VICE PRESIDENT SARA DUTERTE — PHILIPINE STAR/RYAN BALDEMOR

A CONGRESSMAN on Monday asked the Senate to proceed with Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio’s impeachment trial despite recent actions by the Supreme Court (SC) on lawsuits challenging the complaint.

“There’s no reason for the Senate to wait for the Supreme Court’s decision since no temporary restraining order has been issued,” Manila Rep. Joel R. Chua told a news briefing in Filipino. “For now, the trial should proceed unless the Supreme Court orders it to stop.”

On July 8, the Supreme Court consolidated two petitions filed by Ms. Duterte’s allies seeking to block the impeachment trial. The tribunal ordered both the House of Representatives and Senate to comment on the lawsuit.

Mr. Chua said the House would comply with the directive. “We’ll be able to comply with the requirements requested by the Supreme Court in the House.”

The House impeached Ms. Duterte in February, citing allegations of budget irregularities, unexplained wealth and conspiracy to assassinate President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., his wife, and Speaker Martin Romualdez. The Vice-President has denied the allegations.

After her impeachment, Ms. Duterte’s supporters filed two separate petitions before the Supreme Court to stop the Senate trial. The plaintiffs argued that the Vice-President’s right to due process had been violated during the impeachment proceedings in the House.

In her formal response submitted to the Senate in June, Ms. Duterte said the impeachment complaint lacked legal merit. She also invoked the constitutional provision that prohibits Congress from initiating more than one impeachment proceeding against the same official within a single calendar year.

However, Party-list Rep. Terry L. Ridon said the constitutional safeguard cited by Ms. Duterte does not apply to her case. “The facts are clear. There was never a referral to the House committee on Justice,” he told the same briefing.

Mr. Ridon said the first three impeachment complaints filed against Ms. Duterte in December by civil society groups, activists and religious leaders were never formally referred to the committee, which would have triggered the one-year bar.

On Feb. 5, a fourth impeachment complaint — endorsed by more than 215 lawmakers — was filed and sent directly to the Senate without going through a committee hearing.

“Ultimately, this case should be dismissed because the one-year ban only applies to the impeachment complaint that proceeded to direct plenary action,” Mr. Ridon said.

Mr. Chua added that a definitive ruling from the Supreme Court on the constitutional ban could help prevent further delays. “It would be helpful for the Supreme Court to rule on the Duterte camp’s one-year bar plea so it could not be used to stall Ms. Duterte’s impeachment trial,” he added.

The impeachment trial is expected to begin later this month under the 20th Congress. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

ERC chief Dimalanta files ‘irrevocable resignation’

By Sheldeen Joy Talavera, Reporter

ENERGY REGULATORY Commission (ERC) Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer Monalisa C. Dimalanta has submitted her “irrevocable resignation,” Malacañang confirmed on Monday.

Palace Press Officer Clarissa A. Castro told BusinessWorld via Viber that Ms. Dimalanta submitted an “irrevocable resignation.” She did not share the reasons cited by Ms. Dimalanta.

Industry stakeholders were taken aback by the resignation of Ms. Dimalanta, cutting short her seven-year term.
Ms. Dimalanta was appointed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. in 2022. In August 2024, the Ombudsman ordered her preventive suspension following a complaint accusing her of grave misconduct, grave abuse of authority, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of public service.

The President reinstated her after two months, citing the need to stabilize the country’s power sector.

“I’m so surprised when we heard the news. I’ve known Chairman Dimalanta, I consider her a good friend. She has definitely pursued her mandate as a regulator. I hope the best for her future endeavors,” Cynthia P. Alabanza, spokesperson of the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP), said in a press briefing on Monday.

Asked on the impact of her resignation on NGCP’s rate reset applications, Ms. Alabanza believes that the government will ensure continued operations of the ERC.

“Even though there will be vacancies, I am sure that the government and administration will ensure that the crucial work is given to them and to ensure the continuous development of the energy industry as well as the balance, the interests will go on unhampered,” she said.

Prior to her appointment, Ms. Dimalanta, a practicing lawyer of more than 20 years, sat as the chairperson of the National Renewable Energy Board and laid the groundwork for the country’s updated 20-year National Renewable Energy Plan and the foundation for the Green Energy Auction Program, among others.

She also served as the legal counsel and compliance officer of Aboitiz Power Corp.

The Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives Association (PHILRECA) expressed “profound regret” over the resignation of Ms. Dimalanta, saying it is “a great loss.”

“We value the harmonious working relationship we have established with Madam Chair and her office. Her departure is a great loss, particularly given the momentum we had built in our partnership,” PHILRECA Executive Director and General Manager Janeene Depay-Colingan said in a Viber message. “There are numerous crucial matters concerning our member ECs that we have already referred to her office and are due for discussion.”

Ms. Depay-Colingan said that the group is ready to work with the new chief who will be appointed.

“We look forward to establishing a new and equally productive relationship with the incoming Chair,” she said. “It is our hope that the next leader of the ERC will be an individual who is not only well-versed in the complexities of the energy sector but also has a genuine and unwavering advocacy for the member-consumer-owners of our electric cooperatives.”

Senator Sherwin T. Gatchalian, former vice-chairperson of the Senate energy committee, said that Ms. Dimalanta’s resignation is “a significant loss” to the government.

“Her unwavering commitment to integrity has been instrumental in steering the commission, and her dedication to consumer welfare and regulatory transparency set a high bar,” he said in a statement.

“I am hopeful that [Ms. Dimalanta’s] replacement will possess the same dedication to fair and effective governance in the energy sector, ensuring the welfare of consumers and the stability and development of the entire sector,” he added in Filipino.

Some industry stakeholders were concerned that Ms. Dimalanta’s resignation, coinciding with the retirement of two commissioners, would paralyze the ERC’s regulatory role.

“A regulator like ERC operating without a quorum is effectively paralyzed and unable to carry out its statutory duties. We all know the critical importance that ERC plays in setting electricity rates, enforcing industry standards and safeguarding consumer interests,” Jose M. Layug, Jr., president of the Developers of Renewable Energy for AdvanceMent, Inc., said via Viber.

In a statement, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) expressed the same concern that this could delay the release of key decisions that need to be addressed in the power sector.

“This move effectively deprives the Commission of a quorum to perform its regulatory role. The leadership vacuum will also delay key decisions regarding power tariffs, consumer protection and energy policies that will unfairly weigh on industrial and domestic consumers,” the group said.

PCCI Chairman George T. Barcelon said that the group collaborated with Ms. Dimalanta in addressing gaps in the energy sector.

“We are surprised too by her sudden resignation. Our past collaborations were always open and objective in addressing gaps in our power sectors’ policies and regulations,” Mr. Barcelon said via Viber.

Meanwhile, energy advocacy group People for Power Coalition (P4P) expressed gratitude for Ms. Dimalanta’s service and recognized the reforms she pushed.

“We recognize that despite difficult circumstances, she has managed to put reforms forward that served consumer interests. We wish her the best of luck in future endeavors,” P4P Convenor Gerry C. Arances said in a statement.

Mr. Arances said, however, that electricity rates “continued to rise on her watch.”

“Understanding that the ERC is a commission, we enjoin the two other commissioners, Commissioners Floresinda Baldo-Digal and Marko Romeo Fuentes, to follow the lead of Chairperson Dimalanta and submit their own courtesy resignations, thus giving President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos a free hand to reorganize the commission and start from a clean slate if the administration accepts Chair Dimalanta’s submission,” he said. — with Chloe Mari A. Hufana

Warning on China rockets issued

PHOTO FROM GOOGLE MAP

THE National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Monday warned the public of potential debris from Beijing’s Long March 7 rocket, which are expected to land within the Philippines’ maritime territory.

In a statement, the NDRRMC said that China is scheduled to launch its Long March 7 rocket on July 15-17 by 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. as its Wenchang Space Launch Site in Wenchang, Hainan province.

Rocket debris are projected to fall 88 nautical miles away from Cabra Island in Occidental Mindoro, 51 nautical miles away from Reed Bank near Spratly Islands, 118 nautical miles away from Busuanga, Palawan, and 33 nautical miles away from Scarborough Shoal.

“The public is advised to immediately inform local authorities of any suspected debris sighted at sea or land,” the agency said.

The Philippine Space Agency had also warned against retrieving or coming the rocket debris to minimize risk from remnants of toxic substances such as rocket fuel.

Personal protective equipment is needed when coming in contact with the rocket materials.

The NDRRMC also advised relevant government agencies to temporarily restrict fisherfolk in the area and issue a notice to seafarers along the projected drop zone. — Adrian H. Halili

Newly appointed DoE chief takes oath

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. and newly appointed Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin talk following her oath-taking in Malacañan Palace on Monday. — PCO

THE NEWLY appointed secretary of the Department of Energy (DoE), Sharon S. Garin, took her oath before President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., on Monday.

“Secretary Sharon Garin’s experience in lawmaking and shaping energy policy will help us achieve our goal of providing every Filipino family with more reliable, affordable, and clean energy under the Bagong Pilipinas initiative,” Mr. Marcos wrote in a Facebook post in Filipino.

Ms. Garin has been serving as officer-in-charge (OIC) of the DoE since May 2025, having officially replaced Raphael M. Lotilla, who was appointed secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Before taking on the role of OIC, Ms. Garin served as DoE undersecretary beginning in 2022, and lawmaker, representing the AAMBIS-Owa Partylist, from 2010 to 2022.

She served as deputy speaker from 2016 to 2019 and chaired the House Committee on Economic Affairs from 2019 to 2020, returning to lead the panel again from 2021 to 2022. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

PHL bares 2026 ASEAN agenda

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THE PHILIPPINES will be pushing for peace and security, maritime cooperation, and climate change issues as the country heads the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit next year, the Department of Foreign Affairs said.

“We have three basic cross cutting issues that will be the priorities for the 2026 chairmanship. It will be peace and security, maritime cooperation, and climate change,” Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa P. Lazaro told a news briefing.

Ms. Lazaro added that the Philippines is still in the process of discussing other details for its hosting of the summit next year.

“We are still in the process of discussions because Malaysia has not finished its chairmanship. We are of the view that we should build on what Malaysia has done and build building blocks to strengthen ASEAN cooperation,” she said.

Manila is set to take over the regional bloc’s chairmanship in 2026, a year earlier than expected after Myanmar skipped its turn.

During the summit, the regional bloc is expected to come up with the draft of a legally binding Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, as Beijing continues to assert its dominance in the region.

Ms. Lazaro said that the Philippines will continue to enforce the 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea, which invalidate Beijing’s expansive claim in the area for being illegal. — Adrian H. Halili

DND clarifies Teodoro’s citizenship

DEFENSE SECRETARY GILBERTO C. TEODORO, JR. — DND

DEFENSE SECRETARY Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. has renounced his Maltese citizenship prior to his appointment, a Department of Defense (DND) spokesman said on Monday, after a Philippine newspaper reported that the Defense chief previously held a Malta passport

In a statement, Defense department spokesman Arsenio R. Andolong said Philippine authorities were already aware that Mr. Teodoro held a Maltese passport as early as 2021 and noted that it was also disclosed to the Commission on Appointments during his confirmation hearings.

“The alleged existing Maltese passport of Secretary Gilberto Teodoro was surrendered and renounced prior to the filing of his certificate of candidacy in 2021 for the 2022 elections,” Mr. Andolong said. “Its existence was disclosed to the Bureau of Immigration and Comelec prior to the 2022 elections.”

The Manila Times reported on Monday that Mr. Teodoro was issued a Maltese passport in 2016.

A 2017 report by the Malta Government Gazette listed the Defense chief as among individuals naturalized and registered as Maltese citizens.

Mr. Teodoro said the motive behind spreading the rumor is “clear and known.” He did not elaborate. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

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