Brix Lelis
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Business Reporter at The Philippine Star | views are my own | 📩 lelisbrix25@gmail.com
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Articles by Brix Lelis
LNG powerhouse rising as Tokyo Gas expanding with Razon, Lopez groups
SINGAPORE – Japanese utility giant Tokyo Gas is open to expanding its investments in the Philippines’ natural gas sector with tycoons Enrique Razon Jr. and Federico Lopez, a top official said. In an exclusive interview here with The STAR, Tokyo Gas Asia Pte. Ltd. CEO Yumiko Yao said the company could pursue more partnerships with Razon’s Prime Infrastructure Capital Inc.
‘Philippines to be offshore wind powerhouse in Southeast Asia’
SINGAPORE – The Philippines is not only pursuing its first kilowatt-hours of offshore wind but also positioning itself as a regional leader in advancing the technology across Southeast Asia. Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said the country has “one of the biggest potentials” for offshore wind development in the region, with the government pushing for over three gigawatts (GW) of capacity into commercial operations.
Indonesia to honor coal export deals with Philippines
SINGAPORE – Indonesia has assured the Philippines that it will honor long-standing coal supply contracts despite its move to centralize exports of key commodities to prioritize domestic demand, the Department of Energy (DOE) said. “So we’ve been assured of the supply,” Energy Secretary Sharon Garin told Manila-based reporters on the sidelines of the Singapore International Energy Week.
Share swap opens door for re-IPO of MGENR
MANILA, Philippines — MGEN Renewables Inc. (MGENR) is entering into a P4.98-billion share swap with the Meralco Group’s renewable energy arm, laying the groundwork for a potential re-initial public offering (IPO) next year. MGENR, formerly SP New Energy Corp., is set to issue 3.11 billion new shares to MGEN Renewable Energy Inc. (MGEN Renewables) at P1.60 apiece in exchange for several assets held by the latter.
Weak Peso May Push Up Fuel, Power Costs
Politics & Other News Features Brix Lelis October 28, 2026 The Department of Energy is exploring possible measures to cushion the impact of the peso depreciation and continued market volatility. Energy Secretary Sharon Garin SINGAPORE – The peso sliding to record lows against the dollar could squeeze household budgets and threatens to push electricity bills and fuel prices even higher along with other imported goods.
Weak peso may push up fuel, power costs
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Peso sinks past 64 to $1 barrier
Adds pressure on power, fuel costs MANILA, Philippines — The peso breached the 64-per-dollar mark for the first time yesterday, deepening concerns that the currency’s continued slide could make electricity, fuel and other imported goods more expensive for Filipino consumers. Data from the Bankers Association of the Philippines showed the peso closed at a fresh record low of 64.17 per dollar, weaker by 22 centavos from Monday’s 63.95 finish.
Weak peso may push up fuel, power costs
SINGAPORE – The peso sliding to record lows against the dollar could squeeze household budgets and threatens to push electricity bills and fuel prices even higher. Energy Secretary Sharon Garin, on the sidelines of the Singapore International Energy Week, warned that the weakening peso could drive up the cost of imported coal, diesel and liquefied natural gas.
Peso sinks past 64 to $1 barrier
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Japan’s JERA banks on AboitizPower for Philippine expansion
SINGAPORE — Japanese energy giant JERA is counting on Aboitiz Power Corp. to further deepen its Philippine presence, affirming continued support for the latter’s diversification and growth ambitions. JERA Asia CEO Izumi Kai said AboitizPower remains central to the Japanese firm’s regional strategy, now focused on helping the Philippines’ largest power producer unlock further growth. “AboitizPower is important for us. It was a large investment as part of our Asia portfolio.
Philippine lauded for Asean oil stockpiling push
SINGAPORE — The Marcos administration earns an International Energy Agency (IEA) nod for steering Southeast Asia’s push to build regional oil reserves. “I commend the Philippine government for paying attention to this,” IEA executive director Fatih Birol said yesterday on the sidelines of the Singapore International Energy Week. Birol stressed the importance of oil stockpiles in helping countries weather supply disruptions, particularly as geopolitical tensions escalate in the Middle East.
Can Asean Power Grid slash electricity prices?
Notes on the beat SINGAPORE — Connecting Southeast Asia’s power grids is one thing. Making electricity more affordable for households and businesses across the region is another. The multibillion-dollar push to build the ASEAN Power Grid (APG) is gaining momentum, promising to boost cross-border electricity trade and expand access to power supplies. Yet whether this regional connectivity will translate into lower electricity bills remains a key question.
Prime Infrastructure ready to supply natural gas in Visayas and Mindanao
MANILA, Philippines — Prime Infrastructure Capital Inc. of tycoon Enrique Razon Jr. is targeting the Visayas and Mindanao as new markets for its natural gas business. Through subsidiary Prime Midstream, Prime Infra is exploring opportunities to extend its reach beyond Luzon and help ensure a reliable power supply amid continued market volatility.
MGEN mulls bid for 232 megawatt Mindanao coal plant
MANILA, Philippines — Meralco PowerGen Corp. (MGEN) may consider bidding for Mindanao’s first coal-fired power plant, seeing an opportunity in the region’s growing electricity demand. MGEN president and CEO Emmanuel Rubio said the company would look into the possible acquisition of the 232-megawatt (MW) STEAG Mindanao Coal, which the government is preparing to privatize. “Could be. It’s an opportunity. I know that plant,” he said when asked whether MGEN would pursue the asset.
Diesel price hike looms; rollback for gasoline
MANILA, Philippines — Motorists should brace for another increase in diesel prices next week as escalating hostilities in the Middle East threaten to further disrupt global oil supplies. Based on the first four days of trading in the Mean of Platts Singapore, the regional benchmark for refined petroleum products in the Asia-Pacific, diesel prices are projected to rise by P2 to P2.50 per liter. Gasoline prices, meanwhile, could drop by P1 to P1.50 per liter.
DOE: P5 trilllion needed to harness 25 GW of hydropower capacity
KALAYAAN, Laguna, Philippines — The Philippines needs roughly P5 trillion in investments to fully harness its vast hydropower potential, according to the Department of Energy (DOE). Ariel Fronda, chief of the DOE’s Hydropower & Ocean Management Division, told reporters yesterday that the country is sitting on around 25 gigawatts of untapped hydro resources. Unlocking each megawatt (MW) of capacity is estimated to cost around P200 million, he noted.
DOE denies Semirara coal auction bias
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Energy (DOE) has defended the fairness of the Semirara coal auction, saying it is neither favoring any bidder nor sidelining the current operator. Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said the same rules apply to all bidders and are not intended to benefit or disadvantage any particular company. “We’re giving everyone a chance. It’s just that the rules have changed,” Garin said in a chance interview.
Nido Petroleum allots $100 million for Palawan exploration
MANILA, Philippines — Nido Petroleum Philippines Pty. Ltd. is stepping up oil and gas exploration in Palawan, committing up to $100 million (about P6.3 billion) to drill new wells. The company, which operates Service Contract (SC) 91 in the northwest Palawan basin, plans to drill the Cadlao-4 well to assess the field’s commercial potential. If drilling results are promising, Nido Petroleum may conduct an extended well test lasting three to nine months to determine the well’s production capacity.
Peak power demand seen rising amid El Niño
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Government mulls Bataan nuclear plant privatization
MANILA, Philippines — The government is weighing the sale of the long-mothballed Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP) after a feasibility study yielded encouraging results on its potential revival. “One option for the government is to sell the property to a (power) developer,” Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said on the sidelines of the Philippine International Nuclear Energy Forum yesterday.
Razon Group poised for power expansion in Mindanao
MANILA, Philippines — Tycoon Enrique Razon Jr. is all set to expand his power distribution business in Mindanao after consumers backed his proposed deal with South Cotabato II Electric Cooperative (Socoteco 2). In four rounds of voting held from September to October, a total of 137,978 member-consumer-owners voted in favor of the conditional joint venture agreement between Razon-led Ignite Power and Socoteco 2.
Peak power demand seen rising amid El Niño
MANILA, Philippines — The country’s peak electricity demand could jump by 10.7 percent next year as the “super El Niño” threatens to further intensify summer heat, according to the Department of Energy. Latest DOE data showed peak demand could reach 22,231 megawatts in 2027, up from the 20,088 MW recorded earlier this year. Peak demand refers to the highest amount of electricity needed at a given time, when households and businesses use the most power.
UK government commits $1.6 billion for climate financing
MANILA, Philippines — State-run British International Investment (BII) has pledged to mobilize $1.6 billion (about P100.9 billion) in climate financing for the Philippines and other developing Southeast Asian economies. The United Kingdom’s development finance institution aims to help the region shift away from high-emission fossil fuel power generation toward a low-carbon future.
South African singer Tyla made waves with her Grammy-winning hit “Water,” but El Niño is putting the spotlight on water for a different reason.
‘Make me sweat, make me water’ NOTES ON THE BEAT BY BRIX LELIS South African singer Tyla made waves with her Grammy-winning hit “Water,” but El Niño is putting the spotlight on water for a different reason. With the country bracing for hotter and drier conditions, hydropower developers are hopeful of turning the dry spell into an opportunity to advance project construction. Philhydro Association Inc.
LNGPH spending P6 billion for LNG storage expansion
MANILA, Philippines — LNGPH, the multibillion-dollar venture of tycoons Manuel V. Pangilinan, Sabin Aboitiz and Ramon Ang, is looking to spend roughly P6 billion to expand its liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage capacity. LNGPH president and CEO Yari Miralao said the company plans to commission a third onshore storage tank with a capacity of 100,000 to 180,000 cubic meters, enough to store up to 18 days’ worth of LNG supply.
Oil stockpiling deal eyed between Philippines, United States
MANILA, Philippines — The United States, a key actor in the Middle East war that has rattled global fuel supply chains, is now keen to help the Philippines establish its planned strategic petroleum reserves. Energy Secretary Sharon Garin met with her US counterpart, Chris Wright, on Oct. 15 in Washington to explore ways to expand bilateral energy cooperation between the two countries.
‘Make me sweat, make me water’
Notes on the beat MANILA, Philippines — South African singer Tyla made waves with her Grammy-winning hit “Water,” but El Niño is putting the spotlight on water for a different reason. With the country bracing for hotter and drier conditions, hydropower developers are hopeful of turning the dry spell into an opportunity to advance project construction. Philhydro Association Inc. is urging the government to help developers make the most of the situation and bring more hydropower projects online.
‘Make me sweat, make me water’
Notes on the beat MANILA, Philippines — South African singer Tyla made waves with her Grammy-winning hit “Water,” but El Niño is putting the spotlight on water for a different reason. With the country bracing for hotter and drier conditions, hydropower developers are hopeful of turning the dry spell into an opportunity to advance project construction. Philhydro Association Inc. is urging the government to help developers make the most of the situation and bring more hydropower projects online.
Telco cites P1.2 billion in measurable business value from AI initiatives
MANILA, Philippines — One of the country’s major telcos said it has generated P1.2 billion in measurable business benefits from its artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives. Globe Telecom said such benefits included additional revenue, cost savings, and productivity gains, as the company shifts its focus from AI adoption to measurable business results.
Oil stockpiling deal eyed between Philippines, United States
MANILA, Philippines — The United States, a key actor in the Middle East war that has rattled global fuel supply chains, is now keen to help the Philippines establish its planned strategic petroleum reserves. Energy Secretary Sharon Garin met with her US counterpart, Chris Wright, on Oct. 15 in Washington to explore ways to expand bilateral energy cooperation between the two countries.
Higher bioethanol blend eyed as gas prices soar
MANILA, Philippines — With gasoline prices hovering above P100 per liter, the government is looking to raise the mandatory bioethanol blend to help ease pressure at domestic pumps. Energy Undersecretary Alessandro Sales said the National Biofuels Board is weighing a hike in the mandated blend to 15 percent or E15 from the current 10 percent or E10. “It may have the beneficial effect of tempering gasoline prices,” Sales said in a recent interview.
Higher bioethanol blend eyed as gas prices soar
MANILA, Philippines — With gasoline prices hovering above P100 per liter, the government is looking to raise the mandatory bioethanol blend to help ease pressure at domestic pumps. Energy Undersecretary Alessandro Sales said the National Biofuels Board is weighing a hike in the mandated blend to 15 percent or E15 from the current 10 percent or E10. “It may have the beneficial effect of tempering gasoline prices,” Sales said in a recent interview.
Gas prices tipped for P4.20/liter rollback
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Gas prices tipped for P4.20/liter rollback
MANILA, Philippines — After two consecutive rounds of hikes, gasoline prices may finally drop by at least P4 per liter next week amid easing supply concerns in Asia. Based on the four-day average of the regional benchmark Mean of Platts Singapore, industry estimates suggest a potential gasoline price rollback of P4 to P4.20 per liter. Diesel prices, however, are seen to increase by P0.20 to P0.40 per liter, potentially ending three consecutive weeks of price cuts.
Gokongwei, Salazar named Management Persons of the Year
MANILA, Philippines — Tycoon Lance Gokongwei and Phinma Corp. president and COO Chito Salazar have been selected as recipients of the prestigious MAP Management Persons of the Year 2026 award. During the Management Association of the Philippines’ general membership meeting yesterday, MAP governor Amando Tetangco Jr. said this year’s awardees were chosen for their outstanding achievements in the practice of management.
Gas prices tipped for P4.20/liter rollback
MANILA, Philippines — After two consecutive rounds of hikes, gasoline prices may finally drop by at least P4 per liter next week amid easing supply concerns in Asia. Based on the four-day average of the regional benchmark Mean of Platts Singapore, industry estimates suggest a potential gasoline price rollback of P4 to P4.20 per liter. Diesel prices, however, are seen to increase by P0.20 to P0.40 per liter, potentially ending three consecutive weeks of price cuts.
ERC lifts capacity limits on new power facilities
MANILA, Philippines — The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has lifted capacity limits on new power plants, allowing developers to build larger facilities to help meet the country’s growing electricity demand. Under Resolution 34, Series of 2026, the ERC scrapped the previous limits of 600 megawatts per generating unit in Luzon and 150 MW in the Visayas and Mindanao.
ERC suspends power reserve market
MANILA, Philippines — The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has temporarily halted Reserve Market operations to curb persistently high ancillary service prices, especially in the Visayas. Ancillary services, which provide backup power to help maintain grid stability, can be procured through bilateral contracts or the Reserve Market, where they are traded at spot prices.
‘Complete secrecy’ in Semirara coal auction flagged
MANILA, Philippines — Semirara Mining and Power Corp. (SMPC) has criticized what it claims is “complete secrecy” surrounding the award of a new operating contract for the country’s largest coal mine. The current operator of the Semirara mine in Antique said the auction violates established bidding protocols, raising concerns over the lack of transparency in the selection of the winning bidder.
Meralco rates up this month
MANILA, Philippines — More than eight million customers of Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) should brace for higher power rates this month following an increase in generation charges.
P3.01/liter diesel price cut seen; gas up by P1.56/liter
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MVP, RSA close P2.19 billion Meralco deal
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MVP, RSA close P2.19 billion Meralco deal
MANILA, Philippines — Tycoon Manuel V. Pangilinan has secured another piece of Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), completing a P2.19-billion share purchase from Ramon Ang’s San Miguel Group out of his own pocket. San Miguel Global Power Holdings Corp. (SMGP), the power arm of conglomerate San Miguel Corp., closed the sale of about 3.77 million Meralco shares to Pangilinan at P580.99 apiece. The transaction was executed through a special block sale at the Philippine Stock Exchange on Oct. 9.
Nearly 200 Jollibee Group stores switch to clean power
First Gen tapped to supply geothermal energy MANILA, Philippines — The Jollibee Group has tapped First Gen Corp. to power its 189 company-owned fast-food stores in the Philippines with geothermal energy. The deal covers about 40 percent of the group’s company-owned outlets nationwide, including stores operating under the Jollibee, Greenwich, Chowking, Red Ribbon, Burger King and Panda Express brands.
DOE: Visayas at risk of grid alerts anew Original
MANILA, Philippines — Just as the Visayas starts to recover from months of power supply constraints, the onset of the super El Niño threatens to trigger another wave of grid alerts, according to the Department of Energy. DOE simulations show that the region could face blackouts if additional capacity from power barges and battery energy storage systems fail to come online amid an expected increase in electricity demand.
ERC orders Meralco to refund P2.64 billion to customers
MANILA, Philippines — Regulators have ordered Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) to return an additional P2.64 billion to its customers over six months, offering temporary relief as higher distribution charges kick in. In an order approved on Oct. 9 made public yesterday, the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) granted provisional approval to Meralco’s refund application for the lapsed period covering January to June 2026.
P3.01/liter diesel price cut seen; gas up by P1.56/liter
MANILA, Philippines — Motorists are getting their third consecutive diesel price rollback today, even as gasoline and kerosene prices rise again. The Department of Energy (DOE) prescribed maximum price hikes of P1.56 and P1.77 per liter for gasoline and kerosene, respectively, while diesel prices will go down by at least P3.01 per liter. Rino Abad, director of the DOE’s Oil Industry Management Bureau, told reporters yesterday that gasoline and kerosene prices rose due to supply tightness.
ERC adjusts Meralco’s power distribution rate
After 15-year wait MANILA, Philippines — The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has approved Manila Electric Co.’s (Meralco) first rate reset in over a decade, but at a level roughly 37 percent lower than what the power giant had proposed.
MGEN makes final push for Atimonan coal plant
MANILA, Philippines — Meralco PowerGen Corp. (MGEN) is turning to its parent, Manila Electric Co., in what could be its last shot at finally advancing its 1,200-megawatt (MW) coal-fired power plant in Atimonan, Quezon. MGEN president and CEO Emmanuel Rubio said the power generation firm is gearing up to participate in Meralco’s competitive selection process (CSP) for 900 MW of baseload electricity supply. “Hopefully, when we win it, we can build it.
Government ‘very confident’ of meeting renewable energy targets
MANILA, Philippines — The government remains bullish on meeting its renewable energy (RE) targets, banking on more competitive auctions to drive the rollout of clean power projects. “Our target is to reach 35 percent by 2030. We are very confident that we will reach that (target) because of all the programs that we have,” Energy Secretary Sharon Garin told a forum hosted by the Joint Foreign Chambers of the Philippines yesterday.
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