Under-16 social media ban bucked

The Supreme Court (SC) is unlikely to intervene in the attempt by some lawyers associated with Vice President Sara Duterte to have her impeachment trial stopped on questions regarding the election of Sen. Francis Escudero as presiding officer, according to retired Supreme Court associate justice Adolfo Azcuna.

MANILA, Philippines — Just as the country’s offshore wind industry seemed poised for takeoff, its inaugural auction has been suspended indefinitely amid current market challenges, including disruptions caused by the Middle East war. Energy Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella said the fifth green energy auction (GEA-5) round was placed “on hold until further notice” to give the government time to recalibrate the bidding process. The recalibration will cover key issues such as port readiness, permitting requirements and the environmental and cost implications of port development. The Department of Energy (DOE) is also assessing the potential impact of ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East on global supply chains. “This measure is intended to ensure a more transparent, orderly and implementation-ready auction process,” Fuentebella said in an advisory to all concerned renewable energy stakeholders. He noted that the suspension would also allow the DOE to further align GEA-5 requirements, timelines and implementation parameters with actual infrastructure readiness, regulations and project development conditions. “The DOE shall issue the necessary guidelines, supplemental issuances and revised timelines in due course,” added Fuentebella, who chairs the agency’s GEA-Bids Evaluation and Awards Committee. The indefinite suspension came just weeks after a senior energy official confirmed that nine companies had advanced to the next stage of the evaluation process for the offshore wind auction. Under the original timetable, the GEA-5 auction proper was supposed to take place on Aug. 27, with notices of award to winning bidders scheduled for Sept. 23. This landmark auction exclusively covers fixed-bottom offshore wind projects, with original delivery timelines spanning 2028 to 2030. GEA-5 supports the government’s target of generating the first kilowatt-hours of offshore wind power before the end of President Marcos’ term in 2028. It is also expected to provide a significant boost to the country’s broader goal of increasing the share of renewables in the energy mix to 35 percent by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040.    

The government has lifted the suspension of excise taxes on kerosene and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) after global crude prices eased, a move that previously sought to cushion households from surging costs amid the Middle East war.

Senate impeachment court presiding officer Francis Escudero said Vice President Sara Duterte is not yet required to attend her impeachment trial even though she was at the Senate building earlier yesterday to meet with her defense team.

To the consternation of several civil society groups, the majority bloc went ahead and elected Francis Escudero as presiding officer of the Senate impeachment court.