During a Palace press briefing, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the government has already been discussing strategies, especially after the war in the Middle East started.

“Matagal na po itong pinag-uusapan, lalo na po noong nangyari itong sigalot sa Middle East. At sinasabi nga rin po ni (Department of Energy) Secretary Sharon Garin na dapat nating palawakin, palakasin ang renewable energy – isa po ito sa talagang tinutukan po ng gobyerno,” Castro said when asked about alternatives the administration is working on as a long-term plan.

On the other hand, Castro said the government has not yet discussed using nuclear energy as an alternative power source.

“Wala pa pong napag-uusapan patungkol po doon,” Castro said.

On March 24, President Marcos signed Executive Order 110 declaring a state of national energy emergency in light of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the resulting concerns about the availability and stability of the country’s energy supply.

Under Executive Order 110, President Marcos cited ongoing tensions in the Middle East as a key factor threatening global oil production and transportation, potentially affecting the Philippines, a net importer of petroleum products.

Inevitably, and by all indications, fuel prices will rise again. If it has not already, since today is Tuesday.

Let’s take liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), for example, which is more of a fuel of necessity for most Filipino households. As of this writing (Easter Sunday) and depending on where you are and what brand of cooking gas you order for your kitchen, the real pain is already here.

Where I am from in Quezon City, the 11-kilogram LPG tank I regularly get is now brushing the P1,800 range, from the P1,160 price just a little over a month ago. And this is for a commodity government insists is not in short supply.

If that claim is true, the price is punishing for a fuel not short in supply. When LPG climbs, the stomach surely grumbles: ulam at the karinderya is either more expensive or spread out on the plate like half an order; rice servings are shaved; and the pandesal shrinks quietly without much complaint from customers.

We Pinoys are headed for dieting, abstinence, or fasting well beyond the Lenten Season. A less-fed Juan and Juana, though, may be music to the ears of the congresswoman who announced several weeks ago that our nation should be alarmed, as over 40+ percent of our adult population is obese or overweight. Well, perhaps here’s an opportunity to force a national diet.

Sadly, we can’t kid ourselves. This is certainly not a solution for better health, but about inflation tightening its grip.

Diesel is projected to spike by as much as ₱20 per liter. Gasoline and kerosene follow. Public transport, logistics, food chains — all will adjust, and never seem downward as the real pressures of wars in the Middle East and even between Russia and Ukraine bear down on the throats of nations like ours that are dependent on oil imports.

Which is precisely why the fake “energy lockdown” advisory that spread like wildfire over Holy Week is not just irresponsible — it is dangerous.

Malacañang, through Usec. Claire Castro has repeatedly shut it down: there is no energy lockdown on April 20. President Marcos Jr. himself has assured supply stability through June 30. And yet, rumor merchants persist — complete with forged logos and doomsday checklists urging people to hoard.

This is not harmless chatter. It is economic sabotage.

False claims distort behavior. They trigger panic-buying, strain supply chains, and artificially drive up prices. They erode trust in institutions at the very moment clarity is needed. In a fragile energy environment, misinformation doesn’t just mislead — it manipulates markets.

Firing Line is full-on behind Acting Communications Secretary Dave Gomez when he said there must be zero tolerance for purveyors of fake news on energy issues. The law is clear and should be applied to them — because those who deliberately spread lies in a time of economic strain are enemies from within.

They are market saboteurs, preying on public anxiety, distorting prices, and pushing ordinary Filipinos closer to panic, scarcity, and unnecessary hardship.

At this time, Filipinos must learn to consume information the way they should consume fuel in a crisis — carefully, deliberately, and from reliable sources. Not every forwarded message deserves belief. Not every viral post deserves a share.

We are already dealing with enough real problems. We do not need invented ones.

*         *         *

SHORT BURSTS. For comments or reactions, email firingline@ymail.com or tweet @Side_View via X app (formerly Twitter). Read current and past issues of this column at https://www.thephilbiznews.com

Foreign Affairs Secretary Tess Lazaro and Energy Secretary Sharon Garin raised the request during a meeting with Iranian Ambassador Yousef Esmaeilzadeh, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro told reporters in a text message Wednesday.

The move comes as fuel prices surge and shipping routes face disruption following strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran, which led to the partial closure of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

Castro said Tehran signaled openness to Manila’s request: “Amb. Esmaeilzadeh noted that they have been awaiting our outreach and reaffirmed their strong willingness to assist the Philippines with our specific requests.”

Both sides agreed to streamline coordination through formal channels.

“We agreed to course all detailed requests through official diplomatic channels to expedite processing,” the Palace spokesperson said.

At the center of the talks is the Philippines’ push to secure energy supply lines and protect Filipino seafarers deployed across global shipping routes.

“Sec Lazaro requested that Iran formally designate PH as a ‘non-hostile country’ and ensure safe passage for PH-flagged vessels and oil shipments. This is vital for the protection of our seafarers and our energy supply. DOE is finalizing the necessary details for immediate transmission,” Castro said.

Lazaro is expected to elevate the discussions to the highest level.

“Sec Lazaro expects to speak with the Iranian Foreign Minister tomorrow to personally secure these commitments at the highest level,” the Palace spokesperson said.

Despite the geopolitical backdrop, Castro described the engagement as constructive: “The meeting was exceptionally warm and open. Given their stated readiness to cooperate, we are highly optimistic about a favorable outcome.”

The diplomatic push follows directives from Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who ordered officials to negotiate safe passage for Philippine-bound oil shipments amid escalating risks in the region.

Castro said the engagement with Iran was proposed during a recent meeting of the government’s Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport committee, convened by the president under a declared national energy emergency.

As the conflict shows no signs of easing, Manila is stepping up diplomatic efforts to secure fuel access and shield its maritime workforce from the ripple effects of a widening crisis in one of the world’s most critical energy corridors.

Speaking to reporters in New York, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the country intends to use a Security Council seat to promote peace and security beyond its own borders.

“Ang pagiging miyembro at mabigyan ng non-permanent seat sa UN Security Council ay hindi ibig sabihin na sariling interes lang ng Pilipinas ang ipaglalaban o madidinig na boses mula sa Pilipinas (Being a member and getting a non-permanent seat at the UN Security Council doesn’t mean that the Philippines will fight only for its own interest or that voice that will be heard is only from the Philippines),” Castro said in a media briefing.

She stressed that Manila views the position as both a responsibility and an opportunity to contribute to collective security among United Nations member states.

“Tayo naman ay mayroon din sariling issue patungkol sa ating kapayapaan at seguridad, hindi maiiwasan na ito ay matalakay (We have our own issue in relation to peace and security, this discussion cannot be avoided),” she said. “Pero ang Pilipinas ay hindi lang pang sarili, kundi pang kalahatan. Dahil ito ay hindi lang pribilehiyo, ito ay responsibilidad. Hindi para sa bansa lang, kung hindi para sa lahat ng bansa, especially sa Asia (But the Philippines is not only for itself, but for all. Because this is not a privilege but a responsibility. Not only for the country, but for all countries, especially in Asia).”

The Philippines is seeking a non-permanent seat on the UNSC for the 2027–2028 term, with elections scheduled for June 3, 2026 at the UN General Assembly.

As the UN’s principal body responsible for maintaining international peace and security, the Security Council oversees global peacekeeping missions, sanctions regimes, and diplomatic responses to conflicts and emerging threats.

Manila’s campaign comes as the Philippines also hosts ASEAN this year, positioning the country at the center of regional diplomacy and dialogue. Observers note that a successful bid could strengthen the Philippines’ role as a bridge between Southeast Asia and the wider international community on issues ranging from maritime security and conflict resolution to climate-related security risks.

For diplomats and business leaders monitoring geopolitical stability in the Indo-Pacific, Manila’s UNSC campaign underscores the Philippines’ intention to play a more active role in shaping global security discussions in the coming years.

“Sa ating pagkakatingin, nakikita ng mga investors kung paano nililinis ng kasalukuyang administrasyon ang ating bansa mula sa korapsyon, sa isyu ng pang-aabuso sa pondo ng bayan,” Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said during a Palace press briefing on Friday (January 30).

Castro said that demonstrating the administration’s seriousness in holding those involved accountable for the flood control anomalies would not only reassure investors but also strengthen public trust in President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and the government.

The Palace Press Officer reiterated that President Marcos has issued a directive to all government agencies to maintain the highest standards of integrity.

“Binanggit na natin ang ayaw ng Pangulo na maisyu ang ibang mga ahensiya sa korapsyon, dapat lamang sila ay magsumikap at tumupad sa kanilang tungkulin at tuparin ang batas,” Castro said.

Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a press briefing Thursday (Jan. 29) announced by DOTr Secretary Giovanni Lopez that PAL and CEB have agreed to reduce fares to some destinations such as Siargao.

“Sinabi rin niya (Secretary Lopez) na nakapag-negotiate na siya at nakipag-usap na sa pamunuan ng PAL at Cebu Pacific at nag-agree naman na mababawasan ang presyo lalong-lalo na sa Siargao flights,” she said.

Castro added that the DOTr has revealed several factors affecting domestic airfares, particularly the use of small planes that can carry only 100 passengers.

“May mga nag-o-operate na mga smaller aircraft na nakakapag-accommodate lamang ng 60 to 70 passengers pero pareho ng operational costs as compared sa jet economics na nakakapag-accommodate ng 200 passengers,” she said.

“So, kung tutuusin niyo, mas mahal talaga ‘pag smaller craft ang magagamit. Pero karamihan talaga, smaller craft lang ang puwedeng bumiyahe sa mga magagandang destinasyon dito sa Pilipinas,” she added.

Castro also revealed that the fluctuating price of fuel is what most affects the cost of air fares, but he said the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) continues to remind airline companies to also lower fuel surcharges when fuel prices decrease.

“May mga problem rin patungkol sa fluctuating fuel cost pero kapag nakita naman na bumababa ang presyo, nire-remind ng CAB ang mga airlines na i-reduce rin nila ang fuel surcharge,” she said.

Castro stressed that the adjustment or reduction in the surcharge will greatly help lower airfares.

“‘Yan ang ginagawa ng DOTr para mas gumanda pa ang turismo sa ating bansa pagdating sa isyu ng airfare,” she said.

During a Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) meeting in Malacañan Palace on Tuesday, the President instructed lawmakers to move with urgency on the Anti-Dynasty bill, the Independent People’s Commission Act bill, the Party-list System Reform Act bill, and the Citizens Access and Disclosure of Expenditures for National Accountability (CADENA) Act, which seeks to institutionalize full transparency in public finance.

The directive comes as public outrage intensifies over damning revelations of systemic corruption in infrastructure spending, particularly allegedly rigged flood-control projects, falsified documents, and irregular fund releases, prompting calls for deeper structural reforms and greater civilian oversight.

“In a LEDAC meeting this morning, the President also instructed both Houses to take a closer look at the four bills and prioritize the passage as soon as possible,” Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro announced.

The LEDAC meeting was attended by Senate President Vicente Sotto III, House Speaker Faustino Dy III, Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos, and other congressional leaders.

Castro added that LEDAC also finalized timelines for the passage of the 2026 General Appropriations Act, including its submission for the President’s signature, amid expectations of heightened scrutiny on budget items linked to infrastructure and calamity-related spending.

The government is scaling up Paleng-QR Ph, a nationwide program that lets Filipinos pay using digital wallets at public markets and local transport, including tricycles and jeepneys.

Spearheaded by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the initiative now covers 180 local government units (LGUs) across Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, and Metro Manila.

That means more sari-sari stores, market stalls, and local rides are now accepting QR Ph, the country’s interoperable QR code standard for digital payments.

“Ang layunin ng Pangulo ay gawing mas ligtas at madali ang pagbabayad ng bawat mamamayang Pilipino—at ito ang isinusuong ng Paleng-QR Ph. Cashless ang kinabukasan ng lokal na ekonomiya (The President’s aim is to make payments safer and more convenient for every Filipino citizen—and this is put forward by Paleng QR Ph. The future of local economy is cashless),” said Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro, underscoring how the initiative aligns with the Marcos administration’s digital transformation agenda.

For young entrepreneurs looking to launch micro ventures or tap grassroots markets, this shift to digital is more than just convenience—it’s infrastructure.

“Sa tulong ng DILG at BSP, mas marami pang LGU ang matuturuan at maihahanda sa pag-shift sa cashless system. Hindi lamang ito usapin ng convenience—ito ay usapin ng inclusivity at pag-unlad (With the help of DILG and BSP, more LGUs will be taught at readied for the shift to a cashless system. This is not only a matter of convenience—it is also an issue of inclusivity and growth),” Castro added.

The goal? A digitally empowered local economy where everyone—vendors, commuters, and consumers—can transact safely, efficiently, and transparently.

First launched in 2022, Paleng-QR Ph is more than just fintech—it’s a platform for financial inclusion. It gives small-scale merchants and transport operators a way into the formal financial system, potentially unlocking access to credit, savings, and other services.

And with Gen Z leading the way in digital adoption, the future of the palengke might just be your next big business partner.

The announcement follows the statement of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who disclosed the upcoming visit during the ASEAN Regional Forum and the U.S.-Philippines-Japan Foreign Ministers’ Meetings in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Thursday.

“Hindi ko po dini-deny. Kinu-confirm po ang pagbisita po ng ating Pangulo sa US, July 20 to 22 (I am not denying. I am confirming the visit of our President to the US, July 20 to 22),” said Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro during a Palace briefing.

In a separate statement, the DFA said: “The Philippine Government confirms the statement made by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio that President Marcos will visit the United States from 20-22 July. We are working with the US State Department to finalize the details of the visit. We will share more information once these are finalized.”

This will be President Marcos’s fourth visit to the United States since taking office in 2022. Previous trips have yielded what the Palace described as “tangible benefits” for the Philippines, such as increased foreign investment pledges, stronger economic partnerships, and expanded development cooperation, particularly in infrastructure and energy.

The President’s most recent US visit was in April 2024, when he attended the inaugural US-Philippines-Japan Trilateral Summit in Washington D.C. That summit launched the Luzon Economic Corridor, a flagship initiative aimed at developing key industrial and trade zones in Luzon.

In November 2023, Marcos joined the 30th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in San Francisco, followed by working visits to Los Angeles and Honolulu where he engaged with business leaders and the Filipino diaspora. His first official visit as head of state was in September 2022, when he addressed the United Nations General Assembly in New York City.

In a joint operation, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and Department of Agriculture (DA) on Tuesday (July 1) intercepted six container vans from China carrying misdeclared imported onions and mackerel, potentially serving as a test case for the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act that President Marcos signed last year.

“Alinsunod ito sa direktiba ng Pangulo na paigtingin pa ang kampanya kontra smugglers at mga illegal na produktong sumisira sa ekonomiya at kalusugan ng bansa,” Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said during a press briefing in Malacañang on Tuesday.

The DA said the intercepted shipments were declared as egg noodles, spring rolls, and dumplings.

Upon joint inspection, three of the six 40-foot containers were found to hold fresh red onions valued at around ₱10.3 million.

One container held yellow onions worth ₱3.82 million, and two others contained frozen mackerel worth between ₱13 million and ₱20 million, the DA said.

The two onion-loaded vans were consigned to Latinx Consumer Goods Trading, while the four container vans loaded with yellow onions and mackerel were consigned to Lexxa Consumer Goods Trading.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. led the inspection of the shipping containers with smuggled agricultural products, Castro said.

Violators of the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act of 2024 face life imprisonment and a fine amounting to five times the value of the smuggled or hoarded agricultural products.

Under the law, smuggling or hoarding of agricultural commodities is classified as economic sabotage if the value of the goods exceeds ₱10 million.