energy – Author Carlo Carrasco

Time For The Philippines To Revisit Nuclear Energy Production

August 1, 2026July 28, 2026carlocarrasco

During his recent State of the Nation Address (SONA), Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., declared that it is time for the nation to revisit nuclear energy production, according to a news report by GMA News.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the GMA News report. Some parts in boldface…

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday said it is time to revisit nuclear energy production, as he touted some 200 energy projects in the pipeline in a bid to boost the country’s power supply and bring down power rates.

In his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA), Marcos said the administration is working to revisit nuclear energy, as it is already being used in medicine, agriculture, water filtration, and the upcycling of plastic.

“Pushing the envelope further, perhaps it is time for us to revisit nuclear energy production,” he said, noting confidence in its capacity “to reinforce our energy security and bring down the cost of electricity in our country.”

“Titiyakin nating ito ay ligtas. Titiyakin din nating maipaliwanag nang mabuti sa publiko ang magandang dulot sa atin ng enerhiyang nukleyar” he added.

(We will make sure that this is safe. We will also make sure to explain the benefits of nuclear energy properly to the public.)

According to Marcos, the administration has a pipeline covering some 200 power projects across the country that will have a combined capacity of nearly 10,000 megawatts (MW) — 45 of which have already been completed, while 31 are set to be completed this year. The remaining 124 are targeted to be completed by 2028.

These are on top of 1,700 megawatts that the projects will contribute to energy storage systems, which Marcos said will boost energy security.

“Ang mga proyektong ito ay napabilis nang dahil sa mga bagong patakaran at proseso na nagpapadali ng pagnenegosyo dito sa ating bansa, para sa mga Pilipino at dayuhang negosyante,” he said.

(These projects were expedited because of the new regulations and processes that eased doing business here in the country for Filipinos and foreign investors.)

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the highlighting of nuclear energy production in the State of the Nation address will lead to breakthroughs for a nuclear-powered Philippines? Are people in your local community still afraid of nuclear energy? Do you think unchecked corruption inside the government of the Philippines will derail any nuclear-related efforts?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Philippines Electricity The Most Expensive In ASEAN

July 28, 2026July 22, 2026carlocarrasco

Due to the low supply of electricity and the high demand recorded this past June, the Philippines had the most expensive electricity rates among member nations of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), according to a news report by GMA News.

Be reminded that the Philippines is experiencing weak economic growth, high inflation, and has been weak when it comes to attracting foreign direct investment. Could imagine how foreign investors would react to the expensive electricity here in the Philippines?

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the GMA News report. Some parts in boldface…

The Philippines had the most expensive electricity rates among the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in June due to low supply and high demand recorded during the month, the Department of Energy (DOE) reported Monday.

According to DOE Undersecretary Rowena Cristina Guevara, the country reported an average rate of P12.43 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) in June, surpassing that of Singapore by P0.093 per kilowatt-hour.

“Sa Visayas, siya talaga ‘yung pinakamahal dahil talagang may kakulangan tayo sa supply doon. Meron tayong 21 plants na naka-forced outage and therefore, dependent siya talaga sa Luzon at sa Mindanao for imported power,” she said in a virtual briefing.

(Visayas was really the most expensive because there was really a lack of supply there. There are 21 plants on forced outage, and therefore, it is really dependent on imported power from Luzon and Mindanao.)

“Alam niyo naman, naka-yellow alert sila palagi (As you know, they have been on yellow alert regularly) since May 13, and that is the one that is driving the price high for Visayas,” she added.

The Visayas grid has been on yellow alert — indicating that the operating margin is insufficient to meet the transmission grid’s contingency requirement — for several days in June, due to the continued forced outage of major coal plants in the region.

Among the outages recorded were Therma Visayas Inc. (TVI) units 1 and 2 and Panay Energy Development Corp. (PEDC).

“For the rest… Meron kasi din tayong mga matataas na demand during the summer months, and therefore we have to operate the more expensive power plants. Imbes na mag-blackout, paandarin na lang ‘yung mga medyo mahal na plant,” Guevara said.

(For the rest… Demand was also high during the summer months, and therefore, we have to operate the more expensive power plants. Instead of blackouts, we ran more expensive plants.)

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? What do you think must be done to ensure abundant electricity for the Filipinos? Are you convinced now is the time for the government of the Philippines to go all-in on nuclear power? How much was your electric bill this past June?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Philippines Remains Vulnerable To Effects Of US-Iran War And Is One Of The Least Resilient In The Asia Pacific Region

July 18, 2026July 14, 2026carlocarrasco

When it comes to resilience to the effects of the war between the United States and the Islamic terrorist regime of Iran, the Philippines remains not only vulnerable but also one of the laggards of the Asia Pacific region as a whole, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin.

Be reminded that the Philippines is experiencing weak economic growth, high inflation, and has been weak when it comes to attracting foreign direct investment. Already S&P Global slashed GDP growth forecast for the Philippines.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…

Asia-Pacific’s (APAC) relative insulation from the Middle East conflict has singled out the Philippines and Indonesia as laggards as external headwinds are exacerbated by domestic turmoil, according to Allianz Research.

Allianz Research said in its half-time outlook report published last week that despite emerging as one of the regions most exposed to the United States (US)-Iran conflict, APAC is still seen as relatively resilient, with average growth of 4.3 percent this year.

This resilience is attributed to the artificial intelligence (AI) boom, which is “doing the heavy lifting that geopolitics and fiscal policy cannot.”

“However, gains are far from evenly shared, with a group of winners emerging, including countries such as Taiwan, Singapore and South Korea, while countries such as the Philippines and Indonesia lag as domestic turmoil compounds exposure to the conflict,” Allianz said.

Apart from the technology surge, the report also pointed to Asia’s role as a global engine of commerce. “In 2026, 80 percent of global trade volume growth in goods and services is driven by Asia and the US,” the report said.

However, this dominance faces fresh challenges from shifting American trade policies. Allianz warned that the shift in US policies “is expected to negatively affect Asian countries in particular,” as the US effective tariff rate is projected to rise from eight percent to 13 percent.

According to Allianz, the region’s resilience hinges on the booming technology sector. It said the AI boom, which has been driving nearly two-thirds of Asia’s export growth, is helping “cushion” the global economy from the impact of the Middle East crisis.

This AI boom is broadening Asia’s recovery beyond traditional manufacturing, with major semiconductor firms in Taiwan and South Korea leading regional market gains.

By contrast, the Philippines and Indonesia are struggling with the lingering consequences of energy shocks.

“Despite recent developments toward normalization in the Gulf, we expect inflation to remain elevated in the near term as second-round effects from elevated fuel, energy and fertilizer prices keep weighing on the region,” Allianz said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? What do you think the Philippines should do in order to become more resilient to the effects of the war between America and the Islamic terrorist regime of Iran? Do you think the national government has been working to improve oil storage capacity, attract more foreign investors and rely less on the Middle East for importing oil? Do you think the Philippines will reach out to the Islamic terrorist regime of Iran to make an economic deal?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Philippines At Risk Of Losing Ground In Global Supply Chain

July 4, 2026June 29, 2026carlocarrasco

If the Philippines fails to address the high costs of energy and the ongoing corruption connected with infrastructure projects, it could lose ground in global supply chains, according to a news report by BusinessWorld.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the report of BusinessWorld. Some parts in boldface…

THE PHILIPPINES risks losing ground in global supply chains unless it addresses high energy costs and unresolved corruption issues surrounding infrastructure projects, which continue to weigh on investor sentiment, according to UK-based risk intelligence firm Verisk Maplecroft.

“The Philippines’ biggest infrastructure challenge is its relatively high cost of energy, which has been exacerbated by the Hormuz crisis,” Laura Schwartz, a senior Asia analyst at Verisk Maplecroft, said in an e-mailed reply to BusinessWorld.

“Following the onset of the crisis, there was some movement in fast-tracking renewable energy projects, but more will be needed,” she added.

The Philippines, which sources at least 90% of its oil supply from the Middle East, has been one of the most affected by the global oil crisis.

Ms. Schwartz also said last year’s corruption scandal — which linked state officials and contractors in substandard or nonexistent flood control projects — may deter companies that are seeking to diversify their supply chains from investing in the Philippines.

“High-profile governance issues, particularly the widespread public works corruption allegations and political jockeying, are one of the top factors leading to investor hesitation in the near term,” she said.

In its 2026 Supply Chain Risk Outlook, Verisk Maplecroft identified the Philippines, Thailand, Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay as “rising stars” in the global supply chain.

“Relative to the established hubs, these ‘rising stars’ offer different mixes of sector capability, market openness, regulatory strengths, and labor-risk trajectories for organizations looking to realign their supply chains,” it said in the report released on June 23.

“The businesses that move first — screening these markets now, building supplier relationships before demand spikes, and stress-testing entry strategies against external risk data — will find themselves better positioned to act when faced with disruptive geopolitical realignment, trade restrictions, or conflict outbreaks,” Verisk Maplecroft said.

A third of the world’s busiest ports and airports are vulnerable to disruption amid ongoing geopolitical conflicts, environmental challenges, and domestic security threats, the firm noted.

The closing of the Strait of Hormuz has created near-term headwinds for the Philippines and Thailand, Verisk Maplecroft said.

Despite this, “procurement teams willing to take a longer-term view will find these markets worth their attention,” the company added.

The report cited the Philippines’ strong potential in the global supply chain due to improvements in its market openness, its competitive labor costs, and its young, English-fluent workforce.

“The Philippines performs second-best across the Southeast Asian economies analyzed due to significant improvement in our market openness pillar,” it said.

“Despite lower infrastructure quality and governance challenges, including recent corruption scandals, the Philippines shows notable opportunities in sectors like electronics, auto parts, and food manufacturing,” Verisk Maplecroft said.

Other Southeast Asian economies assessed in the report were Singapore, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, and Myanmar.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the government of the Philippines has the will to resolve high energy costs and the ongoing corruption on infrastructure projects? Do you think the Philippines could get more affordable oil from places other than the Middle East?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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US Secretary Of State Rubio Warns Iran To Drop Its Fantasy Of Imposing Fees On Ships Passing Through Strait Of Hormuz

June 27, 2026June 26, 2026carlocarrasco

As Iran continues to be unpredictable following the deal it signed with the United States, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned the Islamic terrorist state against the fantasy of imposing fees on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, according to a Newsmax report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Newsmax report. Some parts in boldface…

Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday warned Iran against “the fantasy” of imposing fees on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

Speaking after meetings with Gulf Cooperation Council leaders in Bahrain, Rubio said the Trump administration will not tolerate any attempt by Tehran to charge commercial vessels for using one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes.

“Fees and tolls are the same thing to me,” Rubio told reporters. “If you’re paying someone to go there, I don’t care if you call it a fee or a toll or a donation. It’s a toll.”

Rubio argued such a system would be impossible to enforce without threatening international shipping.

“Let’s say a ship says, ‘Well, I’m not going to pay the fee,’” he said. “It’s not like a toll on a road. You don’t get a ticket in the mail. They get shot at. You shoot at one ship, you sink one ship, no other ship is going to move. So that sort of system is not only unwise, it can’t happen. It’s not even workable. So you might as well abandon the fantasy now.“

The secretary said there was “zero support” among Gulf nations for any tolling system and emphasized President Donald Trump has made clear that charging for passage through the strategic waterway “cannot be a part” of any agreement with Iran.

“There isn’t a nation on Earth that supports having to pay money to go through the straits,” Rubio said, adding, “If you are charging money to use the straits, we won’t support it. We won’t tolerate it. We won’t allow it.“

Rubio’s remarks came after reports that some Iranian officials have floated charging ships for security, insurance, and other services following last week’s U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding, which temporarily restored free navigation through the strait while broader negotiations continue.

Under the agreement brokered by the Trump administration, Iran agreed to permit toll-free passage for at least 60 days as both sides pursue a broader peace arrangement.

Rubio stressed the administration is focused less on Tehran’s rhetoric than on its actions.

“We’re interested in whether or not ships are moving,” he said. “If ships are moving as they should be moving, then that’s what we’re going to judge. If this rhetoric is backed up by actual ships being threatened and ships are not moving, that’s a violation of the agreement and we’re going to have a problem with it.”

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think it is just a matter of time before the Islamic terrorist regime of Iran threatens to hit ships and force them to pay a fee for passage through the Strait of Hormuz? Who do you think is actually leading the current regime of Iran right now?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

IAEA Pledges Technical Guidance For The Philippines

June 21, 2026June 16, 2026carlocarrasco

The effort of the Philippines to lay the foundation for the intended integration of nuclear power into the national grid got a boost from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) which pledged technical guidance to the government, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…

As the Philippines actively lays the foundation for the integration of nuclear power into its national grid, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has pledged technical guidance to support the government once it opens dedicated green energy auctions (GEAs) for the technology.

IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi told Manila Bulletin last Monday, June 8, that the Vienna-headquartered agency is ready to assist in the Philippines’ nuclear auction process, provided that the legal and regulatory groundwork for the country’s nuclear framework is clearly established and moving forward.

Citing his visit to Manila in November last year, Grossi noted that advisory support on the auction framework was among the topics discussed during his meeting with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. regarding bilateral nuclear cooperation.

“We have also discussed the possibility of providing advice in terms of the bidding process. So there’s a range of things where the IAEA will be able to contribute,” the IAEA chief said.

The Department of Energy (DOE), through its Nuclear Energy Program Inter-Agency Committee (NEP-IAC), said last year that it is studying an auction mechanism specific to nuclear energy, which would be treated similarly to the government’s existing GEA Program (GEAP). Patrick Aquino, technical secretariat head of NEP-IAC, previously said that overcoming legal challenges would allow the government to begin consultations on a nuclear auction.

Last November, the IAEA signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Manila-based multilateral lender Asian Development Bank (ADB) to establish a framework supporting nuclear energy development in the Philippines, including the potential deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs).

The agreement includes knowledge-sharing and technical capacity-building initiatives, energy planning, nuclear fuel cycle management, radioactive waste management, and assistance throughout the life cycle of nuclear facilities.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the government of the Philippines will be able to establish the foundation of integrating nuclear power into the national grid before the term of President Marcos ends in mid-2028? Do you think the IAEA’s pledge of support will accelerate the nuclear-related developments in the country?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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American AI Companies Targeting IT-BPM Sector Of The Philippines

June 9, 2026June 8, 2026carlocarrasco

With a thriving information technology and business process management (IT-BPM) sector, the Philippines is attracting the attention of American artificial intelligence (AI) firms due to revenues generated and the existing large employment base, according to a Manila Bulletin news report citing the United States Commercial Service (USCS).

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin report. Some parts in boldface…

The Philippines’ information technology and business process management (IT-BPM) sector has emerged as the most viable investment destination for American artificial intelligence (AI) firms, according to the United States Commercial Service (USCS).

USCS Manila commercial specialist Easter Villanueva said the IT-BPM sector is a promising market for US-based AI companies given the revenues it generates and its large employment base.

“Given the size of this sector, AI could play an important role in modernization, productivity, and movement toward higher value services,” she said in a webinar organized by the USCS last week.

The IT-BPM sector generated more than $40 billion in revenues last year, up five percent from $38 billion in 2024, based on data from the IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP).

IBPAP said the industry employed 1.9 million workers last year, four percent higher than the previous year’s 1.82 million employees.

This year, the IT-BPM industry is expected to generate $42 billion in revenues and create 1.97 million jobs.

As AI threatens to disrupt the industry, Villanueva said the sector is increasingly becoming more open to integrating AI into its operations, especially when it comes to voice-based services.

“I would think that they would be very much willing to explore [AI], since it is also important for workforce development,” said Villanueva.

“They want to also protect the jobs here in this market, [so] they would want to upskill their agents to be able to integrate their daily operations with AI,” she added.

Aside from the IT-BPM sector, other promising industries for American AI companies include digital transformation, financial services, telecommunications, healthcare, energy, infrastructure, and the public sector.

Villanueva said there are also opportunities in cybersecurity, data governance, and responsible AI, especially as companies become more conscious of data privacy and security.

Based on USCS estimates, AI adoption in the country remains limited, with only about 14.9 percent of companies currently using AI tools.

“This is not yet a mature AI market, and many buyers are still learning what AI can do, what it cannot do, how much it will cost, and how results can be measured. For US companies, this means that the opportunity is not only to sell, but also to educate, build trust, and demonstrate practical value,” said Villanueva.

For AI companies looking to enter the market, she said it is critical to make their use case clear by helping address a specific problem with measurable outcomes while offering cost-effective solutions.

She also recommended that firms work with local partners for market access and implementation support, embed data privacy and AI governance measures early, and adopt a consultative approach with buyers.

“Buyers can be price-sensitive, and companies may face competition from lower-cost providers…So the opportunity is real, but it will require patience, education, and a clear business case,” Villanueva said.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think several AI firms in the United States will proceed to tap the IT-BPM sector of the Philippines soon? What kind of business developments do you think will happen once American AI firms start investing in the Philippines’ IT-BPM sector? Do you think political scandals or government-related blunders of the Philippines might discourage American AI companies from investing?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Japan Joins America’s Genesis Mission

June 6, 2026June 5, 2026carlocarrasco

Japan and the United States have formally confirmed their partnership on the Genesis Mission project and together they will invest heavily on it and cooperate closely over the next several years, according to a news report by NHK World. That said, Japan is officially the first international partner on the ambitious project.

Officially launched by US President Donald Trump in late-2025, Genesis Mission unites the US Department of Energy (DOE) National Labs, industry, academia, and more to harness AI for breakthroughs in energy dominance, discovery science, and national security.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the NHK World report. Some parts in boldface…

Japan will join a US national project called “Genesis Mission,” which is aimed at accelerating scientific research and technological innovation by using artificial intelligence and supercomputers.

Japan will be the project’s first international partner.

The US and Japanese governments will each invest 500 million dollars in the project over five years.

US President Donald Trump’s administration launched the project last November.

Delegates from the US Department of Energy, Japanese ministries of education, science and technology as well as Economy, Trade and Industry signed the statement of intent at the DOE in Washington on Thursday.

DOE Under Secretary for Science and Genesis Mission Lead Dario Gil said it is a “defining moment” for the next era of science.

Under the partnership, US national laboratories and leading Japanese research institutions, including Riken and the National Institute for Materials Science, will boost research collaborations to advance breakthroughs in areas such as quantum information science, fusion energy and biotechnology.

The move is also aimed at strengthening the two partners’ global competitiveness in science and technology with China in mind.

The US and Japanese governments also plan to discuss how to ensure the protection of crucial databases and intellectual property.

The vice-minister for policy coordination of the Japanese education, science and technology ministry, Kakita Yasuyoshi, said Japan has abundant quality data resources obtained through research and development.

To learn more about Genesis Mission, click here.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the US-Japan partnership will boost the chances of breakthroughs within the Genesis Mission?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Philippines’ Bid For United Nations Security Council Seat Rejected

June 5, 2026June 4, 2026carlocarrasco

The Philippines, which previously supported the creation of a Palestinian state and discussed cooperation with the Islamic terrorist regime of Iran, badly lost in its bid for a non-permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) as only forty-nine nations voted for them, according to a news report by GMA News. One hundred and forty-two other nations chose Kyrgyzstan over the Philippines during the fourth round of voting.

It should be recalled that no less than Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., himself told the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) last March that the Philippines is a voice for principled peace and expressed confidence that the nation has an advantage in its bid for a UNSC non-permanent seat.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the GMA News report. Some parts in boldface…

The Philippines failed in its bid to attain a seat in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) as a non-permanent member.

Zimbabwe, Austria, Portugal, Trinidad and Tobago, and Kyrgyzstan were named new members of the UNSC, which can issue legally binding resolutions that may include military action, economic sanctions, and deployment of peacekeeping operations.

A fourth round of votes was cast for UNSC members to choose between the Philippines and Kyrgyzstan, in the Asia-Pacific Group, after they failed to reach the required two-thirds of the majority.

Kyrgyzstan eventually achieving the necessary two-thirds majority and securing its first-ever Security Council seat by 142 votes to 49.

The remaining 10 members are elected, with five new members joining every year. This year, one comes from the Africa Group, one from the Latin American and Caribbean Group, one from the Asia-Pacific Group, and two from the Western European and Others Group.

Zimbabwe will replace Somalia and Trinidad and Tobago will replace Panama, while Portugal and Austria will replace Denmark and Greece. Kyrgyzstan will replace Pakistan.

Bahrain, Colombia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Latvia and Liberia will continue to serve as non-permanent members of the Security Council until the end of 2027.

The Permanent Members are: China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

The rest of the non-permanent members are: Bahrain, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Latvia, and Liberia.

Last March, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. made a personal pitch for the Philippines’ candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations (UN) Security Council, saying the country is ready to contribute as a voice of balance among the world’s nations and as a “voice for principled peace.”

Marcos Jr. expressed confidence that the Philippines has an advantage in its bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.

As a concerned citizen, I do not like what the Philippines did at the wicked United Nations and on other international affairs. Apart from supporting the creation of a Palestinian state, their diplomats formalized a mechanism to boost bilateral cooperation with the Palestinians (which practices apartheid). When the ASEAN Summit was hosted in Cebu province, the Philippines acted as if it was a highly credible player on global diplomacy (click here and here). The Philippines deplored Israel’s strike on Qatar which made them look like they were defending the Hamas terrorists in Doha.

The loss at the UN is the latest setback for the Philippines and 2026 has been a pretty bad year so far. Apart from diplomacy, the Philippines is experiencing weakening economic growth, rapid inflation and it remains very vulnerable on energy as it imports most of its oil from the Middle East. The warning signs about the national economy are only growing.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you consider the Philippines a highly credible participant in international affairs? Do you think the Philippines deserves a seat at the United Nations Security Council under the current administration?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Tanker With Oil From The Middle East Finally Arrives In Japan

May 30, 2026May 26, 2026carlocarrasco

After previously getting blocked from passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a Japanese oil tanker finally arrived home with two million barrels of crude oil from the Middle East and they did not pay a transit fee to the terrorist state of Iran, according to a Kyodo News report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of Kyodo News. Some parts in boldface…

A Japanese oil tanker arrived in Japan on Monday, becoming the first to transit the Strait of Hormuz since the start of the Iran war, which has left traffic through the vital energy route heavily restricted.

The tanker, operated by a unit of major refiner Idemitsu Kosan Co., brought 2 million barrels of crude, equivalent to about 80 percent of daily domestic demand, to Aichi Prefecture in central Japan, according to sources close to the matter.

Its crew, including three Japanese, is in good health, they said.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara told a press conference the ship’s arrival in Japan is “pleasant news in terms of securing a stable energy supply.”

After the effective closure of the strait by Iran, the Japanese government asked the country to ensure free and safe passage through the strait for vessels of all countries.

There are still 39 Japan-related vessels stranded in the Persian Gulf, including one with Japanese crew members aboard, said Kihara, the top government spokesman.

“We will continue to proactively make all diplomatic efforts and ensure coordination,” so all vessels can pass through the strait as soon as possible, he added.

According to data from the Automatic Identification System on vessels, the Idemitsu Maru, a Panamanian-flagged ship measuring more than 300 meters, entered the Persian Gulf in late February before the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran.

It loaded crude oil in Saudi Arabia and left in early March after the strait was blocked. Its passage was temporarily halted off the coast of Abu Dhabi, but it passed the Strait of Hormuz on April 28. It did not pay Iran a transit fee, the sources said.

After leaving the Persian Gulf, the vessel passed through waters off India and the Strait of Malacca before arriving in Japan.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the remaining stranded Japanese oil tankers will eventually pass through the Straight of Hormuz to deliver crude oil home safely? Do you think the terrorist regime of Iran will harass international oil tankers and engage in extortion soon?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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