Fuel, Power, Food Costs Dominate Sept 10 Coverage

The Conversation

A projected round of fuel price increases tied to Middle East tensions and a weakening peso dominated Philippine broadcast and online coverage on September 9 and 10, with DZMM, DZMM Teleradyo, and Bombo Radyo all carrying the story across AM radio, cable television, and online platforms. The reports converged on the same set of figures: over three days of trading, gasoline prices had risen by about ₱4.20 per liter, diesel by ₱2.60, and kerosene by ₱2.60, with another round of increases expected the following week. The peso closed at ₱62.51 to the US dollar, and the Department of Energy (DOE) acknowledged it has no control over world market prices.123

The fuel story ran alongside a second energy thread: the Visayas and Mindanao power grids were placed under red and yellow alert status for more than nine hours, from early afternoon until past 9:30 p.m., after 33 power plants in the Visayas and 31 in Mindanao failed. Spot market electricity prices rose by more than ₱9 per kilowatt-hour in Mindanao and over ₱7 in the Visayas. The alerts were expected to persist until September 21.45

On the food security front, the Department of Agriculture (DA) released ₱6.2 billion for fertilizer purchases and fuel subsidies under the Unified Package for Livelihood, Industry, Food and Transport Program, activating its El Niño Task Force to prepare for a weather pattern that officials warned could threaten the 2027 dry-season rice harvest. DA spokesman Arnel de Mesa said rice prices remained stable at ₱48 to ₱55 per kilogram, with good inventory and unaffected farms despite four typhoons and monsoon rains.67 A tabloid editorial warned that fertilizer prices had risen by nearly 60% due to the Strait of Hormuz blockade, directly threatening Filipino families' food budgets.8

Key themes

1. Fuel prices rise for a third consecutive week on Middle East tensions and peso weakness. Gasoline rose ₱4.20 per liter, diesel ₱2.60, and kerosene ₱2.60 over three days of trading, with another increase expected the following week. The DOE said it cannot control world market prices, and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is studying whether to raise the diesel discount for jeepney and UV Express drivers to ₱12 per liter.123
2. Red and yellow alerts persist across Visayas and Mindanao grids for over nine hours. Thirty-three plants in the Visayas and 31 in Mindanao failed, pushing spot market prices up by more than ₱9 per kilowatt-hour in Mindanao and over ₱7 in the Visayas. The alerts were expected to last until September 21.45
3. DA releases ₱6.2 billion for fertilizer and fuel subsidies ahead of El Niño. The funds fall under the Unified Package for Livelihood, Industry, Food and Transport Program, a government initiative to help vulnerable Filipinos cope with rising living costs. The DA activated its El Niño Task Force to monitor conditions and cushion the impact on farmers and food production.6
4. Rice prices remain stable at ₱48 to ₱55 per kilogram, but fertilizer costs threaten future harvests. DA spokesman Arnel de Mesa said inventory is good and farms were not affected by four typhoons and monsoon rains, but a tabloid editorial warned that fertilizer prices have risen by nearly 60% due to the Strait of Hormuz blockade.78
5. African swine fever spreads to nine barangays in Bais City, Negros Oriental. Thirteen of 19 hogs tested positive for the virus, and 199 pigs have been culled. Four other areas in Negros Oriental remain classified as having active ASF cases.9 The DA said it sees no critical outbreak nationwide despite a slight rise in active cases to 92 barangays in August from 65 on August 13, and the commercial use of the AVAC live vaccine has been approved.10
6. BIR allows exporters to claim VAT refunds while awaiting zero-rating certification. Under Revenue Memorandum Circular No. 096-2026, qualified export-oriented enterprises may seek refunds for value-added tax paid on local purchases and importations from November 28, 2024, until their certifications are issued. The transition period runs until December 31, 2025.11
7. DTI resets export target and places Export Marketing Bureau directly under Secretary Cristina Roque. Roque said exports grew 10.8% from January through the latest available period, but the revised target is still being calculated. She said the focus of her office this year is exports and the local market.12
8. EU firms see Philippine potential but few outside the country are considering entry. Only 8% of European businesses not currently active in the Philippines said they were considering market entry, according to the EU-ASEAN Business Council's 12th Business Sentiment Survey. The Philippines posted a 43% rate for planned business expansion over the next five years, just one percentage point behind Singapore.13

How the narratives stack

Dominant: The fuel price story dominated the captured set, with DZMM, DZMM Teleradyo, and Bombo Radyo all carrying multiple reports across AM radio, cable television, and online platforms. The reports converged on the same figures and the same causes: Middle East tensions, particularly the standoff between the United States and Iran over the Strait of Hormuz, and the peso's weakness against the dollar. US President Donald Trump said he is confident the war with Iran will end and oil prices will fall before the November midterm elections, though he acknowledged no agreement is in place.14 The LTFRB is studying whether to raise the diesel discount for jeepney and UV Express drivers to ₱12 per liter, after drivers said the current discount is insufficient.3

Counter-narrative: The DA's assurance that rice prices remain stable at ₱48 to ₱55 per kilogram and that inventory is good runs counter to the tabloid editorial's warning that fertilizer prices have risen by nearly 60% and could push rice prices higher. The DA said farms were not affected by four typhoons and monsoon rains, and that monitoring continues to ensure no one violates price rules.7 The editorial argued that the Philippines has long depended on imported fertilizer and grain, and that continued conflict will raise farmers' costs and result in more expensive palay and rice.8

Emerging: The power supply situation in the Visayas and Mindanao is emerging as a recurring story, with red and yellow alerts lasting more than nine hours and spot market prices rising sharply. The alerts were expected to persist until September 21, and the reports noted that residents in the Visayas and Mindanao are becoming impatient with the DOE and the government's response.45 The DA's approval of the commercial use of the AVAC live vaccine against African swine fever is also emerging as a significant step for the hog industry's recovery and repopulation efforts.10

Under-covered: The BIR's move to allow exporters to claim VAT refunds while awaiting zero-rating certification received limited coverage in the captured set, appearing in one online news item and one broadsheet item. The DTI's decision to reset its export target and place the Export Marketing Bureau directly under Secretary Roque also received limited coverage, appearing in one online news item. Both stories have significant implications for exporters and the broader trade sector.1112

Platform insights

• AM Radio (DZMM, DZRB): AM radio carried the fuel price and power alert stories extensively, with DZMM airing multiple reports on the projected oil price hike and the red and yellow alerts. The reports were delivered in Filipino and focused on the immediate impact on consumers and businesses. DZRB carried the DA's statement that there is no critical ASF outbreak nationwide.1410
• Cable TV (DZMM Teleradyo, DZRH TV): Cable television carried the same fuel price and power alert stories as AM radio, often simulcast. DZRH TV also carried a segment on Senator JB Binay's multiple committee roles, including chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance and the Senate Committee on Local Government, and the scheduling challenges posed by the impeachment trial.15
• Online News (Bombo Radyo, Context.PH, BusinessWorld, Inquirer, Philstar, Manila Times, Business Mirror): Online news platforms carried a wider range of stories, including the DTI's export target reset, the BIR's VAT refund circular, the EU-ASEAN Business Council survey, and the ASF outbreak in Negros Oriental. BusinessWorld and Inquirer carried the Jollibee Hong Kong listing story and the PhilWeb investment in JKS Tech.12111391617
• Blogs (Lhyzie Bongon, Chasing Curious Alice, Cinema Bravo): Blogs carried promotional content, including Jollibee's ₱99 Chicken Fillet deals, Security Bank's 75th anniversary raffle promo, and a feature on National Artists.181920

Key voices and communities

• Government agencies (DOE, DA, BIR, DTI, LTFRB): The DOE acknowledged it cannot control world market prices, the DA assured the public that rice prices are stable and released ₱6.2 billion for fertilizer and fuel subsidies, the BIR issued a circular allowing exporters to claim VAT refunds, the DTI reset its export target, and the LTFRB is studying a diesel discount increase for drivers.1611123
• Energy sector (power plants, spot market): The failure of 33 plants in the Visayas and 31 in Mindanao pushed spot market prices up by more than ₱9 per kilowatt-hour in Mindanao and over ₱7 in the Visayas, with red and yellow alerts lasting more than nine hours.45
• Agricultural sector (farmers, hog raisers): The DA's ₱6.2 billion release for fertilizer and fuel subsidies is aimed at helping farmers cope with rising costs, while the ASF outbreak in Bais City led to the culling of 199 pigs. The approval of the AVAC live vaccine is a significant step for the hog industry's recovery.6910
• Business sector (exporters, European firms): Exporters can now claim VAT refunds while awaiting certification, and the DTI is recalibrating its export target. European firms already in the Philippines plan to expand, but only 8% of those not currently active are considering entry.111213
• Consumers and commuters: The fuel price increases and power alerts directly affect consumers and commuters, with jeepney and UV Express drivers seeking a higher diesel discount. The DA's assurance on rice prices is aimed at reassuring consumers.137

Narrative streams

Fuel prices rise for a third consecutive week on Middle East tensions and peso weakness

Gasoline prices rose by about ₱4.20 per liter, diesel by ₱2.60, and kerosene by ₱2.60 over three days of trading, with another round of increases expected the following week. The peso closed at ₱62.51 to the US dollar. The DOE said it cannot control world market prices, and the LTFRB is studying whether to raise the diesel discount for jeepney and UV Express drivers to ₱12 per liter.123 US President Donald Trump said he is confident the war with Iran will end and oil prices will fall before the November midterm elections, though he acknowledged no agreement is in place.14 The read for the sector: transport operators and consumers face higher costs in the near term, and the government's options are limited to subsidies and discounts. The LTFRB's study of a higher diesel discount is a direct response to drivers' complaints that the current discount is insufficient.3

Red and yellow alerts persist across Visayas and Mindanao grids for over nine hours

The Visayas and Mindanao grids were placed under red and yellow alert status for more than nine hours, from early afternoon until past 9:30 p.m., after 33 power plants in the Visayas and 31 in Mindanao failed. Spot market electricity prices rose by more than ₱9 per kilowatt-hour in Mindanao and over ₱7 in the Visayas. The alerts were expected to persist until September 21. Residents in the Visayas and Mindanao are becoming impatient with the DOE and the government's response, and the reports noted that rotating power interruptions have a significant impact on businesses.45 The read for the sector: businesses and households in the Visayas and Mindanao face higher electricity costs and potential outages, and the government's ability to address the supply shortfall is constrained by the number of plants that have failed.

DA releases ₱6.2 billion for fertilizer and fuel subsidies ahead of El Niño

The DA released ₱6.2 billion for fertilizer purchases and fuel subsidies under the Unified Package for Livelihood, Industry, Food and Transport Program, a government initiative to help vulnerable Filipinos cope with rising living costs, inflation, and global fuel-price increases. The DA activated its El Niño Task Force to monitor conditions, prepare interventions, and cushion the impact on farmers and food production. Agriculture spokesman Arnel de Mesa said the DA would seek to maximize production in areas less vulnerable to El Niño while expanding irrigation support.6 The read for the sector: farmers face higher input costs and the risk of a poor harvest in 2027, and the government's subsidies are aimed at cushioning the impact. The DA's assurance that rice prices remain stable at ₱48 to ₱55 per kilogram is aimed at reassuring consumers, but the tabloid editorial's warning that fertilizer prices have risen by nearly 60% suggests that the pressure on food prices is not over.78

African swine fever spreads to nine barangays in Bais City, Negros Oriental

The Provincial Veterinary Office reported that 13 of 19 hogs tested positive for ASF in Bais City, Negros Oriental, and 199 pigs have been culled, including animals that were not infected but had been exposed to hogs that tested positive. Nine barangays in Bais City now have ASF cases and are under surveillance and monitoring. Four other areas in Negros Oriental remain classified as having active ASF cases: Valencia, Pamplona, Bayawan City, and Tanjay City.9 The DA said it sees no critical outbreak nationwide despite a slight rise in active cases to 92 barangays in August from 65 on August 13, and the commercial use of the AVAC live vaccine against ASF has been approved.10 The read for the sector: hog raisers in Negros Oriental face continued losses, and the approval of the AVAC vaccine is a significant step for the industry's recovery and repopulation efforts.

BIR allows exporters to claim VAT refunds while awaiting zero-rating certification

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has allowed qualified export-oriented enterprises to claim refunds for value-added tax (VAT) paid while awaiting zero-rating certification from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) under transition rules that ran until the end of 2025. Under Revenue Memorandum Circular No. 096-2026, export-oriented enterprises may seek refunds for VAT paid on local purchases and importations from November 28, 2024, the effectivity of the CREATE MORE Act, until the issuance of their VAT zero-rating certifications. The DTI-Export Marketing Bureau will allow the refund if it issues the certification during the transitory period, which runs from November 28, 2024, to December 31, 2025.11 The read for the sector: exporters gain cash-flow relief while awaiting certification, which could help them compete in international markets. The CREATE MORE Act is a law that provides incentives to businesses, and the VAT zero-rating certification is a document that allows exporters to charge zero VAT on their sales.

DTI resets export target and places Export Marketing Bureau directly under Secretary Roque

The DTI is recalibrating the Philippines' export growth target and has placed its Export Marketing Bureau directly under Trade Secretary Cristina Roque as the government seeks to open more markets for local products. Roque said the revised export target is still being calculated and that she would not provide a new figure until the numbers are finalized. She said exports have been performing strongly, growing 10.8% from January through the latest available period, but said further gains would depend on the ability of Philippine exporters to enter new markets. She said DTI would increase trade shows and other market-promotion initiatives to showcase Philippine products and help exporters find new buyers.12 The read for the sector: exporters may benefit from increased government support for market promotion, but the revised target is still uncertain. The Export Marketing Bureau is the DTI agency responsible for promoting Philippine exports.

EU firms see Philippine potential but few outside the country are considering entry

Only 8% of European businesses not currently active in the Philippines said they were considering market entry, according to the EU-ASEAN Business Council's 12th Business Sentiment Survey. The figure contrasts with the Philippines' 43% rate for planned business expansion over the next five years, placing it just one percentage point behind Singapore. EU-ABC Executive Director Chris Humphrey told BusinessMirror that the 43% should not be read as investment already committed to the Philippines. It covers both companies with existing operations that intend to expand and those considering entering the market.13 The read for the sector: the Philippines is attracting European businesses already in the country, but far fewer companies without a local presence are considering entering the market, highlighting a gap the country will need to close if it wants to capture a bigger share of new investment.

Conversation trajectory

Fuel prices (next 1–2 weeks): Another round of fuel price increases is expected the following week, with gasoline, diesel, and kerosene all projected to rise. The LTFRB's study of a higher diesel discount for jeepney and UV Express drivers could provide some relief, but the timing and amount are uncertain. Watch for the DOE's weekly price adjustment announcement and any LTFRB decision on the discount.13

Power supply (until September 21): Red and yellow alerts in the Visayas and Mindanao are expected to persist until September 21. Watch for updates on the number of plants that have failed and any government response to the supply shortfall. The spot market price increases of more than ₱9 per kilowatt-hour in Mindanao and over ₱7 in the Visayas could affect electricity bills in the coming months.45

Food security (next 3–6 months): The DA's ₱6.2 billion release for fertilizer and fuel subsidies is aimed at cushioning the impact of El Niño on the 2027 dry-season rice harvest. Watch for updates on the El Niño Task Force's monitoring and any additional interventions. The tabloid editorial's warning that fertilizer prices have risen by nearly 60% suggests that food prices could come under pressure if the conflict in the Middle East continues.68

African swine fever (next 1–3 months): The ASF outbreak in Bais City, Negros Oriental, is under surveillance, and the DA has approved the commercial use of the AVAC live vaccine. Watch for updates on the spread of the virus and the rollout of the vaccine. The DA's statement that there is no critical outbreak nationwide suggests that the situation is being managed, but the culling of 199 pigs in Bais City shows the impact on local hog raisers.910

Export sector (next 1–3 months): The DTI is recalibrating its export target, and the BIR has allowed exporters to claim VAT refunds while awaiting certification. Watch for the DTI's announcement of the revised target and any updates on the implementation of the VAT refund circular. The EU-ASEAN Business Council survey's finding that only 8% of European businesses not currently active in the Philippines are considering entry suggests that the country needs to do more to attract new investment.111213

Trigger events: The DOE's weekly fuel price adjustment, the LTFRB's decision on the diesel discount, the DA's El Niño Task Force updates, the ASF vaccine rollout, and the DTI's announcement of the revised export target.

Response guidance

Fuel price increases: Communicate the causes clearly — Middle East tensions and peso weakness — and explain what the government can and cannot control. Avoid blaming any single factor. Provide practical advice for consumers and businesses on how to manage higher fuel costs, such as carpooling, route optimization, and energy efficiency.

Power supply alerts: Explain what red and yellow alerts mean — red alert means the grid has no reserve power, while yellow alert means reserves are low — and what consumers and businesses can expect. Provide updates on the number of plants that have failed and the expected duration of the alerts. Advise businesses to prepare for potential outages and consider backup power options.

Food security: Communicate the DA's interventions clearly, including the ₱6.2 billion release for fertilizer and fuel subsidies and the activation of the El Niño Task Force. Explain what El Niño is — a weather pattern that can cause drought and affect crop production — and what farmers can do to prepare. Avoid alarming consumers about rice prices, but be transparent about the risks.

African swine fever: Communicate the DA's assessment that there is no critical outbreak nationwide and the approval of the AVAC live vaccine. Explain what ASF is — a virus that affects pigs and is not harmful to humans — and what hog raisers can do to protect their herds. Provide updates on the outbreak in Bais City and the culling of pigs.

Export sector: Communicate the BIR's VAT refund circular and the DTI's export target reset clearly. Explain what VAT zero-rating certification is and how exporters can claim refunds. Provide updates on the DTI's market-promotion initiatives and the EU-ASEAN Business Council survey's findings.

Sensitive topics: Avoid speculating about the duration of the Middle East conflict or the trajectory of fuel prices. Avoid blaming any government agency for the power supply situation. Avoid alarming consumers about food prices. Be transparent about what is known and what is uncertain.

1: DZMM Teleradyo, "Presyo Ng Petrolyo Posibleng Muling Tumaas Sa Susunod Na Linggo Dahil Sa Tensyon Sa Middle East," Cable TV, September 9, 2026. 2: DZMM, "Presyo Ng Petrolyo Posibleng Muling Tumaas Sa Susunod Na Linggo Dahil Sa Tensyon Sa Middle East," AM Radio, September 9, 2026. 3: DZMM Teleradyo, "Malaking Oil Price Hike Inaasahan Sa Susunod Na Linggo Sa Pilipinas," Cable TV, September 9, 2026. 4: DZMM, "Visayas at Mindanao Grid, Muling Isinailalim Sa Red at Yellow Alert," AM Radio, September 9, 2026. 5: DZMM Teleradyo, "Presyo Ng Kuryente Sa Visayas at Mindanao, Tumaas Dahil Sa Sunod-sunod Na Yellow at Red Alert Status," Cable TV, September 9, 2026. 6: Malaya Business Insight, "DA releases P6.2B as El Niño threatens 2027 rice harvest," Broadsheet, September 9, 2026. 7: Bombo Radyo Philippines, "DA walang nakikitang pagtaas sa presyo ng bigas," Online News, September 9, 2026. 8: Abante Tonite, "Pagkain una sa lahat," Tabloid, September 9, 2026. 9: Digicast Negros, "9 Bais City barangays now ASF-affected as virus spreads in NegOr," Online News, September 9, 2026. 10: DZRB, "DA, Walang Nakikitang Critical Outbreak ng African Swine Fever sa Bansa sa Kabila ng Bahagyang Pagtaas ng Kaso," AM Radio, September 9, 2026. 11: Inquirer Online, "BIR clears VAT refunds for exporters before certification," Online News, September 9, 2026. 12: Context.PH, "DTI resets export target, puts EMB under Roque," Online News, September 10, 2026. 13: Business Mirror Online, "EU firms see PHL potential, but..." Online News, September 9, 2026. 14: Bombo Radyo Philippines, "Trump tiwalang makakabalik ang pagbagsak ng petrolyo kapag natapos na ang giyera sa Iran," Online News, September 9, 2026. 15: DZRH TV, "Senador JB Binay, Kinilala Sa Maraming Katungkulan Sa Senado at Sa Komite Sa Pananalapi at Lokal Na Pamahalaan," Cable TV, September 9, 2026. 16: Inquirer Online, "Hong Kong listing seen better for Jollibee valuation than US," Online News, September 9, 2026. 17: Inquirer Online, "PhilWeb gets 30% stake in JKS Tech," Online News, September 9, 2026. 18: Lhyzie Bongon Blog, "Jollibee Offers Chicken Fillet Meals For Just ₱99!" Blogs, September 9, 2026. 19: Chasing Curious Alice, "Security Bank helps clients unlock the life they deserve with rewards worth winning," Blogs, September 9, 2026. 20: Cinema Bravo Online, "10 new National Artists for 2025 named by Marcos Jr.," Blogs, September 9, 2026.

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