What the fuel crisis reveals about the Philippines

 

By Former Senator Atty. Joey D. Lina

Published Apr 28, 2026 12:05 am | Updated Apr 27, 2026 06:16 pm

FINDING ANSWERS

Two recent episodes of the Kapihan sa Manila Hotel spotlighted the Philippines’ response to the global oil crisis triggered by the US-Israel war on Iran.

One featured Sen. Rodante Marcoleta on fuel pricing accountability. The other guested Employers Confederation of the Philippines President Sergio Ortiz-Luis, Jr. on business survival and resilience, and Department of Agriculture Assistant Secretary and Spokesperson Arnel de Mesa on food security.

Both episodes converged on a single truth: the crisis driven by the closure and blockade of the Strait of Hormuz is exposing deep structural weaknesses the country can no longer ignore. The Philippines is now paying for long-standing policy gaps laid bare by global turmoil.

Sen. Marcoleta issued a blunt challenge: prove the numbers or return the profits. With high prices of fuel, the suspicion of overcharging resonates. He estimated that oil firms may be earning ₱2.7 to ₱3 billion in gross income daily since the crisis began.

He called for the identifying the exact point when replacement cost pricing was adopted, arguing that profits earned before that shift, while companies were still selling stock purchased at old, lower prices, could constitute unjust enrichment.

"If they used replacement cost pricing before it was warranted, they must refund the excess. That is the most practical and just solution," he said.

Fuel pricing is shaped by global benchmarks, freight, insurance, exchange rates, and replacement cost pricing—the practice of basing pump prices on the cost of replenishing supply rather than on existing stock. In volatile markets, this is standard.

Yet it is also where the problem begins.

Applied too early, replacement pricing allows firms to pass on higher costs before they are actually incurred. Consumers pay more now for costs that may come later. It might be legal, but it can edge into opportunism.

This is why Marcoleta’s challenge matters. Not because it proves wrongdoing, but because it forces a question that regulators have failed to answer clearly: are Filipinos paying fair prices?

He urged the Department of Energy to fulfill its mandate under RA 8479, the Oil Deregulation Law, to monitor and publish pricing data. "Wala pong nagmo-monitor (no one monitors)," he said. "If you cannot determine the precise point of replacement cost adoption, abuse becomes possible, and may already have occurred."

Sen. Marcoleta is right to call for transparency. Open the books. Audit pricing timelines. Explain the system in plain terms. If abuse occurred, act. If not, prove it.

But even as this transparency issue unfolds, another crisis is tightening—one that cannot be simply fixed by a pricing formula.

The government insists there is no food shortage. But the more urgent reality is this: food is becoming harder to afford. A full market means little if families cannot buy what they need.

At the other Kapihan episode, the ECOP head and the DA official outlined the chain reaction. Fuel underpins every stage of food production—irrigation, harvesting, transport. When fuel price rises, everything follows.

Add rising fertilizer costs and the looming threat of El Niño. The DA has called it a “three-shock” scenario. It is already evident in higher vegetable prices and strained supply chains.

Farmers are squeezed. Consumers are squeezed. The system tightens at both ends. Government responses—fuel subsidies, transport support, financial aid—are necessary. But they are stopgaps. They ease pressure without fixing the structure.

Beyond agriculture, micro and small enterprises are also under strain. Fuel price hikes erode already thin margins. Unlike large firms, they have little capacity to absorb shocks. As costs rise, closures and job losses become real risks.

Calls for stronger interventions like fuel tax relief, stricter monitoring, and tighter oversight are growing. These are not radical proposals but are emergency responses. Yet they all confront the same underlying constraint: structural dependence.

The Philippines relies heavily on imported fuel, leaving it exposed to shocks it cannot control. The disruption of the Strait of Hormuz makes this clear. The country absorbs the shock—but does not shape it. It is a recurring problem.

For years, energy diversification has lagged. Renewable investments remain low. Regulatory bottlenecks persist. Long-term planning yields to short-term fixes. And so each global disruption triggers the same cycle—price spikes, public anger, reactive policy.

That cycle is no longer sustainable. Energy independence is not an abstract goal. It is an economic safeguard. Accelerating renewable energy, modernizing infrastructure, and streamlining approvals are now urgent priorities.

Equally important is communication. Without clear explanations, technical issues become political flashpoints. Every price increase invites suspicion. Trust erodes.

And those who suffer most are those least able to absorb the shock: farmers, fisherfolk, small entrepreneurs. They are already paying the price.

If this crisis is to mean anything, it must force change, greater transparency, faster reform, and policies that protect the most vulnerable.

Because while the Strait of Hormuz is beyond the country’s control, the response to its consequences is not. And for millions of Filipinos on the brink of deeper poverty, that response can make all the difference. (finding.lina@yahoo.com)

Whose voice do you follow?

 

By Fr. Rolando V. De La Rosa, OP

Published Apr 26, 2026 12:05 am | Updated Apr 25, 2026 03:41 pm

THROUGH UNTRUE

“Whose voice do you follow?” This is not just a theoretical question but a deeply personal one. Our lives are shaped by the voices we listen to. Every day, journalists, advertisers, bloggers, influencers, celebrities, politicians, as well as business and technology guruscompete for our attention and allegiance. We must learn to distinguish between voices that lead us astray and those that lead to truth and goodness.

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus likens us Christians to sheep (John 10:1–10). This may seem unflattering. To be compared to sheep might suggest that Christians are afflicted with a “herd mentality,” following any voice they hear and going through life without conviction or purpose.

However, researchers have shown that the so-called “herd mentality” of sheep is not a sign of weakness but a necessary strategy for survival. Unlike many animals that can fend for themselves, sheep are inherently defenseless against predators. When threatened, they instinctively move toward the center of the herd, where they are least exposed to danger. Those that stray to the edges become more vulnerable. Sheep must remain close to one another and, above all, listen to and respond to the voice of the shepherd whom they recognize.

Sheep do not follow just any voice; they are discerning in the way that matters most. A stranger’s call sends them fleeing, but the familiar voice of their shepherd draws them near. In the same way, being a Christian requires that we become deeply attuned to the voice of Christ.

Jesus likens us to sheep to remind us that, in a world that has become hostile to His teachings, we are vulnerable and in need of guidance. He teaches us that the distinguishing mark of a Christian is not passivity or mindless conformity, but a strong sense of belonging and the ability to recognize the shepherd’s voice. As Jesus declares, “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27).

This raises a crucial question: Do we still recognize the voice of Jesus, the Good Shepherd? In a world convulsed with noise, this is no small challenge. We are surrounded by persistent and often deceptive voices that blare through smartphones, social media, television, and the internet. We are constantly told, “Do what you want. Follow your desires. Be who you want to be.”

These messages, when repeated endlessly, can dull our spiritual and moral sensibilities. They promise freedom but often lead to a subtle form of slavery. Jesus warned us about such voices: “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves” (Matthew 7:15). They mimic the tone of the Good Shepherd but lack His integrity and compassion.

The Bible is commonly referred to as the Word of God. Today, it is more accessible than ever, but also increasingly ignored and neglected. A well-known talk show host once asked a guest to name one of the Ten Commandments. The person replied, “Thou shalt not covet your neighbor’s goose.” The host then asked another person to complete this biblical phrase: “Let him who is without sin…” The reply was, “have a good time.” These responses may provoke laughter, but they also reveal a troubling reality: our lack of familiarity with the Scriptures.

The Bible is not merely a book; it is the living Word through which God speaks. If we often feel lost or directionless, or if many suffer from a mental health crisis, it may be because we have allowed other voices to drown out the voice of Jesus. When was the last time you opened your Bible to seek guidance?

Our noisy world drives us to fear, restlessness, and endless craving. But the voice of the Good Shepherd challenges us to seek that kind of contentment that is deeper than success, stronger than suffering, and more enduring than death.

Only Jesus calls us by name, seeks us when we are lost, and lays down His life for us (John 10:11). His voice does not enslave; it sets us free. It does not confuse; it brings clarity. It does not scatter; it gathers and leads us safely home.

Joey Albert at 45: A legacy of purpose, music, and meaning

 

By Neil Ramos

At A Glance

• Joey Albert marks 45 years in music with her "FORTYfied" concert, reflecting on a career built through discipline, collaboration, and enduring contributions to OPM, as she continues to connect with audiences across generations.

There are artists who live off memory and then there is Joey Albert: still working, still searching, still finding ways to matter.

Forty-five years into a career that has helped shape the sound of OPM, Albert returns to the stage not to revisit the past, but to continue a conversation she has never really stopped having with her audience.

Her upcoming concert, “FORTYfied: Joey Albert 45,” is, on paper, a milestone event. In essence, however, it is way more than that. It is more a statement of intent.  

Her longevity is no accident.

It was forged long before the hits, in the discipline of the band circuit, where success was earned and consistency demanded. “I learned the ropes through my work with a band. It was not easy, hard work talaga,” she said.

That period, she recalls, proved formative beyond music. “Doon ko natutunan ang kahalagahan ng pakikisama, to listen… and respect. You learn to respect those who came before you. You learn to respect different perspectives.”

The lessons endured. Even at her most expressive, Albert’s performances carry restraint; even at their most expansive, they retain a sense of shared musical space.  

That instinct informed the collaborations that defined her catalog. “Points of View,” with Pops Fernandez, captured the emotional interplay of duet storytelling. “I Remember the Boy,” written by Jose Mari Chan, balanced nostalgia with control. Her work with Louie Ocampo—“Without You,” “Ikaw Lang ang Mamahalin,” “You Threw It All Away,” and “It’s Over Now,” underscored her strength as an interpreter attuned to nuance rather than excess.

“Because of my background singing in groups, it was easy for me to collaborate with people. And we established a strong bond through our work,” she said.

That thread continues into the present.

The concert brings together longtime collaborators including Raymond Lauchengco, Janet Basco, Iwi Laurel, Chad Borja, Janice de Belen, Judith Banal, and Fernandez, an assembly that goes beyond nostalgia, more continuity.

Albert’s relevance, particularly among younger listeners discovering her through streaming platforms, rests on a refusal to treat reinvention as a device. When her songs have found new life in film, or when she has revisited material across generations, it has been with deliberation rather than calculation. For her, endurance lies in understanding why a song lasts.

Offstage, she leads a quieter life away from the industry’s machinery. Yet the music persists, not out of obligation, but of purpose.   

That purpose took on new form during the pandemic, when she turned to digital platforms to sustain connection. “Joey’s Jams,” a series of informal online performances, evolved into “Dear Joey,” where letters from viewers were answered through song rather than commentary.

In a time marked by distance, the format offered a sense of immediacy and care.

“Well, I do what I do mainly to touch people, to continue making a difference in their lives, to inspire,” she said. “I will keep on doing what I can for as long as I can.”

Having faced illness more than once, Albert speaks of survival without sentimentality, framing it instead as perspective. “You begin to make choices based on the legacy you want to leave behind. You don’t sweat the small stuff. You choose what you have energy for.”

"I wanted to be remembered as someone who made people smile, someone who made people happy."

Onstage, then, the concert marks more than a passage of time. It affirms a quieter proposition: that music, carried with sincerity, retains its capacity to meet listeners where they are.

“FORTYfied: Joey Albert 45” will be held on April 25, 8 PM, at the Newport Performing Arts Theater. Produced by DSL Events & Production House, the concert will benefit the Marian Missionaries of the Holy Cross, founded by Joey’s late mother.  

We can weather this crisis as one nation, with one resolve

By Manila Bulletin

Published Apr 16, 2026 12:02 am | Updated Apr 15, 2026 04:24 pm

The fuel crisis is formidable, no doubt about it. But addressing it is as formidable for lack of concerted effort.

But what if, in the face of this deepening crisis, we choose unity over division, action over accusation, cooperation over conflict? What if, even for a brief moment, we set aside the noise of politics and focus instead on the urgent needs of the Filipino people? We raise these questions as they are necessary reflections in a time that demands not just leadership, but collective resolve.

The ongoing global fuel crisis, brought about by tensions in the Middle East, has rippled through every layer of society. From transport workers struggling to make ends meet, to families tightening already strained budgets, to businesses grappling with rising costs—the burden is shared. And because it is shared, the response must be shared as well. A fragmented approach will not suffice. What we need is a whole-of-society effort grounded in unity and purpose.

What if the House of Representatives, recognizing the urgency of the moment, temporarily sets aside impeachment proceedings and redirects its energy toward fast-tracking legislation that could provide immediate relief? Don’t get us wrong. This is not a call to abandon accountability or disregard constitutional duties. Rather, it is a call to prioritize and to recognize that in times of crisis, the most pressing needs of the people must come first. Governance, at its core, is about service. And service, especially now, requires focus and sacrifice.

What if critics of the administration paused their relentless fault-finding, not to silence dissent, but to channel their insights into constructive solutions? Healthy criticism is the lifeblood of democracy. It sharpens policy, exposes weaknesses, and ensures transparency. But there are moments when criticism must evolve into collaboration. When pointing out problems, these must be matched with proposing remedies. The fuel crisis is one such moment.

Let us be clear. This is not about suppressing voices or discouraging debate. It is about recalibrating our energies. A temporary pause in political hostilities does not weaken democracy; it strengthens it by proving that, when necessary, we can rise above partisanship for the common good. The Filipino spirit has always been defined by resilience and bayanihan, the willingness to help one another in times of need. Now is the time to embody that spirit once more.

Imagine a nation where lawmakers, regardless of affiliation, work hand in hand to pass measures that cushion the impact of rising fuel prices. Imagine private sectors stepping up with innovative solutions, and citizens doing their part through conservation and community support. Imagine a chorus of voices—not in discord, but in harmony—working toward a single goal of weathering this storm together.

The Bible reminds us in Psalm 133:1, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” The message delivers a spiritual ideal and is a practical necessity. Unity fosters strength. It builds trust. It enables swift and decisive action. In contrast, division only deepens the crisis, prolonging the suffering of those who can least afford it.

The road ahead will not be easy. The challenges posed by the fuel crisis are complex and far-reaching. But they are not insurmountable. If we choose unity, if we choose to act not as divided factions but as one Filipino nation, we can overcome. The question is not whether we are capable. The question is whether we are willing.

What if we are?

Then, yes, we can.

Elusive peace

 

By Dr. Jun Ynares

Published Apr 15, 2026 12:04 am | Updated Apr 14, 2026 05:06 pm

THE VIEW FROM RIZAL

As we write, reports say the United States will mobilize naval vessels to blockade the Strait of Hormuz—the world’s most critical waterway. This follows the US Vice President's declaration that negotiations with Iran were a “failure” just hours earlier.

The US Veep’s statement had earlier doused cold water on hopes that the ongoing dispute in the Middle East could be headed to a resolution, that cargo ships might be able to resume their safe and uninterrupted passage through the Strait of Hormuz, and that prices of petroleum products in the country and in the world might finally experience a downward slide.

Indications are that none of that is likely to happen soon. Peace, at this point, seems to be elusive, and all-out hostilities may resume soon. We can only pray that a possible resumption of hostilities when the ceasefire expires on the 21st of this month may be averted, that the lives of people in the affected regions of the world are spared, and that the global economy survives.

It is interesting that in the face of the wild upward spiral of gasoline prices in the country, there has been no howl on the part of the public. Yes, there are fewer cars on the streets, and more families have decided to stay at home during the long Holy Week holiday. There are posts on social media sharing the pain caused by the upward surge in fuel prices, but there is no anger directed towards a specific person or country.

It seems there is a widespread, silent admission that these adverse developments, fueled by the conflict in the Middle East, are beyond our control. It appears there is a quiet resignation to the fact that we are “collateral damage.” We can only reel under the effect of the conflict and from the absence of the proverbial “light at the end of the tunnel.”

Those who were already born when two earlier “Gulf Wars” erupted and disrupted the global economy appear to be more hopeful in the face of the ongoing conflict in the region. Our elders in Rizal recall that in 1973, the member-countries of the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries slapped an embargo on countries that sided with Israel in the war against Egypt.

This was the first “oil crisis,” which, our elders recall, caused a major spike in gasoline prices in our country. This served as a reminder to all that some countries hold a stranglehold on the supply of vital energy resources the world badly needs.

There was another “oil crisis” in 1979, after petroleum supplies dropped sharply following the Iranian revolution, which brought down the then-powerful Shah.

Reflecting on these experiences, our elders say, “Humanity has navigated more difficult geopolitical events.” They believe no country wants to trigger an apocalyptic event that could risk the annihilation of mankind. In their view, “The warring parties will always seek a way out of the conflict and resort to more pragmatic compromises.”

They pointed out that, from a sober, rational perspective, the failure of the talks between the US and Iran “disappointed us but does not surprise us.”

They reinforced this by explaining, “We have to understand that there have been decades of deep mistrust between these two countries. We cannot expect that to be resolved in 21 hours.”

The point is clear. Negotiations, whether in business or in geopolitics, require a reasonable level of mutual trust. They also require a clear, solid intention to negotiate and openness to softening positions, bargaining, and crafting a compromise. When both sides issue “demands” and “conditions” right at the start of the supposed “negotiation,” we can anticipate such talks to “fail,” even if only temporarily.

Our elders are “optimistic” that the “door is not fully shut” to a resumption of negotiations. They pointed out that mediators in Pakistan and Oman are pushing for the extension of the ceasefire and using indirect channels. They said they believe both Iran and the US have “compelling reasons” to have a longer period of “truce.” Iran’s economy is under serious strain, and the US has domestic priorities that its government must attend to. Neither can afford to keep the current conflict raging indefinitely.

The same realities apply to us and the rest of the world. With these uncertainties, the pressing question is: what do we do in the meantime?

We have previously written about developing a “resilient mindset.” To build on that, let us add strategies based on the counsel of our elders, who “have been there.”

To recall, we must have a clear idea about what we can influence and what we cannot. For example, cutting down on unnecessary trips and expenses – that is within our control. The events in the Strait of Hormuz are not. It is good to have a list of what we must start doing today to buffer us from the possible effects of a prolonged stand-off in the conflict areas. That perspective should reduce the anxiety and fear.

Our elders also advised us to keep in mind that the world has had to absorb fallouts from similar conflicts: The previous Gulf crises, the war in Ukraine, among others. We survived them. Our country had weathered so-called “energy shocks” in the past. We adapted; our government responded with policies and programs. We emerged scathed but sometimes even better.

In sum, we can aspire to achieve the same resilience in the current situation. The elusive peace will eventually come—no matter when and at what cost.

(The author is a Doctor of Medicine, an entrepreneur and the mayor of Antipolo City, former Rizal governor, and DENR assistant secretary, LLDA general manager. Email: antipolocitygov@gmail.com)

Asian Mass Media Awards at the Camelot Hotel

By Giselle Sanchez

Published Apr 14, 2026 08:06 am

This coming April 26, celebrities Jennifer Lee, Patricia Javier, Angelique Lazo, and many others, including myself, will be putting on our best smiles (and yes, our fabulous outfits!) as we head to the much-anticipated Asian Mass Media Awards at the Camelot Hotel.

Patricia Javier

This event, led by its hardworking chairperson, Nel Talavera, is not just about handing out trophies; it’s about honoring people who have used media as a platform to inspire, inform, and uplift. In a world flooded with content, it’s refreshing to celebrate those who still choose purpose over popularity, and substance over noise.

Personally, I always believe that media is more than just exposure—it’s a responsibility. Every story we tell, every performance we give, has the power to touch lives. And that’s exactly what this awards night is all about: recognizing those who continue to use their voice for something bigger than themselves. Here are the awardees for Excellence in Mass Media and Performing Arts:

Jennifer Lee

Jennifer Lee -This former Viva Hotbabe Turned DJ was chosen to receive the award in Performing Arts for her badass portrayal of Miru in Maria (2019), a Netflix movie produced by Viva Films starring Christine Reyes. If you watch the film, you will give the now successful events DJ a standing ovation for her action movies and acting prowess.

Angelique Lazo

Angelique Lazo – Currently PTV 4’s news anchor for their daily afternoon newscast program Sentro Balita. Asian Mass Media Awards is giving her this for the Excellence award in Mass Media for her expert engagement with social impact in her talk show, In Person with Ms. Angelique Lazo.

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Patricia Javier- After recently winning three back-to-back awards this past three months – the Huwarang Filipino Award 2026 last February, the FAMAS Prestige Beacon of Timeless Beauty and Inspiration this March, and the 6th Crystal International Women's Award early this April – this Excellence in Performing Arts will be another diamond added to the crown of this Noble Queen of the Universe 2019.

Giselle Sanchez

Giselle Sanchez – I would like to use my column to thank the Asian Mass Media Awards for the award. As I quote the letter they gave me, “We would like to award you the for Excellence in Mass Media and Performing Arts for 1) promoting Filipino achievers and excellence as a writer in Manila Bulletin, 2) Your outstanding performance as Vanessa in the award-winning Netflix series Niña Niño, 3) for your top-tier world-class performances in stand-up comedy, singing and hosting in your concert performances held last year in the United Kingdom, Europe and Dubai giving joy to the overseas Filipino workers.

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Other awardees include Marian Rivera, Dennis Trillo, Martin Nievera, William Thio, Lovely Rivero, director Jeannie Villarico, and Jessica Soho.