June Power Rates Rise by 9% Despite Relief Measures

QUEZON CITY, July 3, 2026 — Average household electricity rates increased by 9% in June, bringing prices closer to levels last seen during the 2023 global energy crisis. Retail rates increased even as transmission charges declined and temporary regulatory measures were put in place to ease consumer costs.

According to Power Rates and Energy Supply Overview - Philippines (PRESYO-PH), a power rate platform of the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC), electricity prices across much of the country continued to climb in June 2026, underscoring the continuing challenge of power affordability faced by Filipino households despite the adoption of measures intended to provide relief from high electricity costs.

Based on available data from 116 distribution utilities (DUs), the average residential electricity rate in the country increased from ₱11.47 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) in May to ₱12.51 per kWh in June—an increase of ₱1.04 per kWh, or approximately 9% in just one month.

The increase occurred despite lower transmission charges for the June billing period, the suspension of the collection of the Green Energy Auction Allowance (GEA-ALL), and the Energy Regulatory Commission's (ERC) approval of a staggered billing scheme for some distribution utilities due to elevated Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) prices.

The data indicates that these relief measures were outweighed by higher generation costs under utilities' power supply contracts, which typically account for 50% to 60% of residential electricity bills. Amounts corresponding to distribution charges, universal charges, and subsidies remained largely unchanged.

The increase was particularly pronounced in several areas. Between the May and June 2026 billing periods, some distribution utilities recorded month-on-month residential electricity rate increases of more than ₱4.00 per kWh, while several others posted increases exceeding ₱3.00 per kWh. According to the ERC, these sharp month-on-month increases prompted the implementation of staggered payment arrangements for affected distribution utilities to help ease the impact on consumers.

If the current trend continues, average electricity rates could approach the levels experienced during the height of the global energy crisis in 2022 and 2023, following the temporary Indonesia coal export ban and the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, which resulted in nationwide average residential rates peaking at around ₱13 per kWh in early 2023.

“Filipino families should not have to bear the burden of volatile global fuel prices every time they receive their monthly electricity bills. Much of today's increase is being driven by higher generation costs, which remain closely tied to imported fossil fuels—particularly coal and imported natural gas,” stressed ICSC Energy Transition Advisor Alberto Dalusung III.

“Investing in more renewable energy allows us to gradually reduce that dependence and build a power system that is affordable and less vulnerable to price shocks,” Dalusung added. 

The latest electricity rate increases underscore the limits of temporary relief measures in protecting consumers from recurring power price spikes. Accelerating the deployment of indigenous renewable energy—including rooftop solar, which enables households to generate their own electricity—offers a more durable path toward affordable, reliable, and secure power.

ABOUT PRESYO-PH

PRESYO-PH is a first-of-its-kind data platform designed to enhance transparency on the true drivers of electricity prices by integrating pricing data from more than 150 DUs and ECs nationwide, alongside detailed insights into their respective energy sources. By making electricity pricing data publicly accessible, the platform allows consumers, researchers, local governments, and policymakers to monitor trends and better understand the factors affecting monthly power bills. 

For more information about PRESYO-PH, visit https://presyo.icsc.ngo/home

ABOUT

The Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities is a Philippine-based non-governmental organization that advances climate, energy, and low-carbon solutions to enable fair and climate-resilient development at the national and international levels.

#Pilipinast Kapehan Forum: NastPhl to Gather New Members and 2025 Awardees

BICUTAN, TAGUIG CITY – The National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL) will conduct the #PilipiNAST Kapehan on July 4, 2025, at the Eastwood Richmonde Hotel, Quezon City. This episode will feature the newly elected NAST PHL Members, the 2025 Outstanding Young Scientists (OYS), and the winners of the 2025 NAST Talent Search for Young Scientists (NTSYS).

Joining the event are the three (3) newly elected Academicians:

• Dr. Leocadio S. Sebastian (Plant Breeding)
• Dr. Wilfredo Roehl Y. Licuanan (Marine Ecology)
• Dr. Charles Y. Yu (Pulmonary/Infectious Disease)

The ten (10) Outstanding Young Scientists are also expected to participate in the event:

• Dr. Rowalt C. Alibudbud (Psychiatry and Health Social Sciences)
• Dr. Garry A. Benico (Aquatic Bioscience)
• Dr. Jake Rom D. Cadag (Geography and Spatial Planning)
• Dr. Mark S. Calabon (Biological Sciences)
• Dr. Rolando T. Candidato, Jr. (Ceramic Materials and Surface Treatment - Physics Discipline)
• Dr. Fresthel Monica M. Climacosa (Molecular Medicine)
• Dr. Andres Philip Mayol (Mechanical Engineering)
• Dr. May Anne E. Mata (Interdisciplinary Studies - Applied Mathematics)
• Dr. Excel Rio S. Maylem (Animal Science)
• Ms. Melissa P. Montecalvo (Plant Pathology)

Lastly, this year’s top two (2) winners of the NAST Talent Search for Young Scientists will also attend the event:

• Dr. Isaiah Paolo A. Lee (Molecular and Evolutionary Systems Biology)
• Dr. Victor Manuel R. Aricheta (Mathematics)

Academician Jaime C. Montoya, President of NAST PHL, will formally open the event with his welcome message. The program will also be participated in by NAST PHL Executive Director Luningning E. Samarita-Domingo.

The #PilipiNAST Kapehan is a series of dialogues that brings together the NAST PHL scientists and the press, media, and science communicators. It serves as a platform to introduce the programs, activities, awardees, and members of the Academy, as well as to discuss the pressing science and technology issues. It also aims to provide an opportunity to present the exemplary contributions made by Filipino scientists to the advancement of science and technology in the country.

The National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL) is an attached agency to the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) mandated to recognize outstanding achievements in scientific research and development, advise the President and the cabinet on matters related to S&T, and engage in projects and programs that promote scientific productivity. For more details, visit NAST Philippines’ social media accounts @nastphl

#PilipiNAST Kapehan Meet the Minds ShapingPhilippine STEM

QUEZON CITY--Inilunsad ng (NAST PHL  katuwang ang media, at komunidad ng agham sa #PilipiNAST Kapehan na ginanap noong Hulyo 1, 2026, sa Brentwood Suites. Quezon Avenue, lungsod Quezon, kung saan tampok sa programa ang mga bagong halal na miyembro ng NAST PHL, ang tatanggap ng 2025 Geminiano T. De Ocampo (GTO) Visionary Award for Medical Research, at ang mga pararangalan sa 48th Annual Scientific Meeting

na gaganapin sa July 8-9,  bilang mga natatanging awardee para sa taong 2026.

Ang #PilipiNAST Kapehan ay isang serye ng talakayan na pinagsama-sama ang mga siyentipiko ng NAST PHL, mga kinatawan ng mamamahayag, at science communicators. Layunin nitong ipakilala ang mga programa ng Akademya, kilalanin ang mga pinarangalang siyentipiko at miyembro nito, at talakayin ang mahalagang usapin sa agham, teknolohiya, at inobasyon. Higit sa lahat, binibigyang-pugay nito ang natatanging ambag ng mga Pilipinong siyentipiko sa patuloy na pag-unlad ng bansa.

Isa sa mga tampok ng programa ang paggawad ng 2025 GTO Visionary Award for Medical Research, kabilang ang plake at medalya.

Pagkatapos ng seremonya ng paggawad ng parangal, magsasagawa ang NAST PHL ng isang eksklusibong press conference kasama ang mga bagong halal na miyembro at mga awardee ng 2026, kung saan magkakaroon ng pagkakataon ang media na makapanayam ang ilan sa mga nangungunang siyentipiko ng bansa.

Paparangalan din ang tatlong (3) bagong halal na Akademisyan, kasama ang labindfalawang (12) Outstanding Young Scientist (OYS) para sa 2026.

Pangungunahan ni MS. Luningning E. Samarita- Domingo, Director lV ng NAST PHL, ang paggawad ng parangal at magbibigay ng pangwakas na mensahe.

Ang National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL) ay isang attached agency ng DOST na may tungkuling kilalanin ang mga natatanging tagumpay sa pananaliksik at pagpapaunlad ng agham, magsilbing tagapayo ng Pangulo at ng Gabinete sa mga usaping may kaugnayan sa agham at teknolohiya, at magsagawa ng mga proyekto at programang nagsusulong ng produktibidad sa larangan ng siyensya.                                     

HKIAC Announces New Appointments to its Committees and Council

2 July 2026 – Hong Kong

HKIAC is pleased to announce that six new members have been appointed to its Proceedings Committee, Appointments Committee and Council in the last quarter.

Proceedings Committee

HKIAC has appointed Audley Sheppard KC and Edwina Kwan to its Proceedings Committee. 

Audley Sheppard KC is the current President of International Council for Commercial Arbitration (ICCA) and an Arbitrator at Twenty Essex in London. He is a former Partner and Co-Head of International Arbitration and International Law at Clifford Chance. 

Edwina Kwan is General Counsel at the Australasian Centre for Corporate Responsibility (ACCR) in Sydney where she advises on energy transition and related contentious disputes. Prior to her role at ACCR, she was a Partner at an International Law Firm with over 20 years of experience acting as counsel in international commercial and investor-state arbitrations. 

The HKIAC Proceedings Committee determines procedural matters arising under the HKIAC Rules, including applications for consolidation, joinder and expedited proceedings, challenges to arbitrators, and decisions on whether arbitrations should proceed on a prima facie basis. It also considers revisions to HKIAC's rules and practice notes, thereby supporting the effective administration of HKIAC arbitrations.

John Choong, Chair of HKIAC’s Proceedings Committee said: “I am pleased to welcome Audley and Edwina to the Proceedings Committee. Their appointments reflect the HKIAC’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that the Committee is composed of individuals who bring the rigour, independence and deep experience and professional judgment that effective procedural oversight demands. I am confident that their appointments will further strengthen the quality of the decisions made by the Committee.” 

Appointments Committee

HKIAC has appointed Jessica Fei and Matthew Hodgson to its Appointments Committee. 

Jessica Fei, International Partner at King & Wood in Beijing, has over 30 years of international dispute resolution experience working with international arbitration institutions and leading firms in New York and Asia.  

Matthew Hodgson, Partner in Linklaters’ International Arbitration Group in London, specialises in complex disputes arising from cross-border investments and has extensive experience in commercial and investment treaty disputes in Asia and globally. 

The HKIAC Appointments Committee is primarily responsible for the appointment and confirmation of arbitrators and emergency arbitrators. It also determines the number of arbitrators where required, fixes arbitration costs, and oversees admission to HKIAC’s Panel and List of Arbitrators, supporting the integrity and quality of HKIAC’s appointment process.

Thomas Walsh, Vice-Chair and Chair of HKIAC’s Appointments Committee, said: “We warmly welcome Jessica and Matthew to the Appointments Committee. Both are highly respected and renowned practitioners in the field of international arbitration. With their extensive experience, the Committee will continue to support the HKIAC Secretariat in the appointment and confirmation of arbitrators with the rigour that is required for such an important function and while also working to broaden and diversify the pool of arbitrators.”

Council 

HKIAC has appointed Adrian Lai JP and Andrey Gorlenko to its Council. 

Adrian Lai JP is a Barrister at Des Voeux Chambers. He regularly acts as counsel and sits as arbitrator in international commercial arbitrations conducted under various rules and has also participated in investor-State and State-to-State arbitrations.

Adrian commented on his appointment: “I am honoured to be appointed to HKIAC’s Council. I look forward to contributing to an institution that has long been central to Hong Kong’s role as a leading centre for international arbitration, and that plays a pivotal role in the development of arbitration globally.”

Andrey Gorlenko is Head of International Dispute Resolution at Ivanyan & Partners and Senior Resident Partner at Ivanyan & Co, the first registered foreign law firm practising Russian Law in Hong Kong. He has spent close to two decades handling complex commercial and investment disputes in Russia and elsewhere. 

Andrey said: “I am pleased to join the HKIAC’s Council. HKIAC has an established role in the global arbitration community, serving a diverse global user community, including parties from Russia and across the region. I look forward to contributing to the Council’s work and further enhancing HKIAC’s long-standing role in resolving Russia-related disputes neutrally and efficiently.”

HKIAC Secretary-General, Joanne Lau stated:

“We are delighted to welcome our new Council and Committee members. The expertise brought by the new members will continue to enhance our institutional strength within the global arbitration community, maintaining HKIAC’s approach in providing quality and efficient case management, and to support HKIAC’s ongoing growth and expansion as a globally recognised arbitral institution.”

About HKIAC, the Council and Committees 

HKIAC was established in 1985 to provide independent and efficient dispute resolution services, specialising in arbitration, mediation, adjudication, and domain name dispute resolution. In addition to its headquarters and hearing centre in Hong Kong, HKIAC has offices in Seoul, Shanghai, and Beijing. To date, HKIAC has managed over 13,000 cases involving 120 jurisdictions. According to the 2025 Queen Mary University and White & Case International Arbitration Survey, HKIAC Rules were the second most preferred set of arbitration rules worldwide.

HKIAC is governed by its Council, which is composed of leading businesspeople and professionals from around the world who possess a wide variety of skills and experience. An Executive Committee serves as the principal body directing the activities of HKIAC. Three standing committees operate under the auspices of the Executive Committee. These are the Proceedings, Appointments, and Finance and Administration Committees. These committees deal with matters concerning the business operations of HKIAC as well as the functions entrusted to HKIAC under its arbitration rules and in accordance with its role as appointing authority under the Hong Kong Arbitration Ordinance (Cap 609).

DOST, AAP Sign MOU to Strengthen Use of Analytics and AI in PH

(From left) DOST ASTI Dir. Franz De Leon, DOST Sec. Renato U. Solidum, Jr., AAP President Michelle Alarcon and AAP Secretay Lee Carlo Abadia. 

29 June 2026 – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Analytics and Artificial Intelligence Association of the Philippines (AAP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to accelerate the development, adoption, and responsible use of artificial intelligence and data analytics across the nation.

Held at the DOST Central Office in Bicutan, Taguig, the signing establishes a framework for collaboration among government, academia, and the private sector to strengthen the country’s digital and scientific ecosystem.

The partnership directly supports the implementation of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy for the Philippines (NAIS-PH), which was approved by the President in May 2025. This framework serves as a blueprint to guide coordinated efforts across government, academe, industry, and civil society in advancing local AI innovation.

By combining public-sector research capabilities with private-sector industry insights, the collaboration aims to bridge the gap between high-level policy and real-world execution.

"DOST's partnership with the AAP is built on years of trusted collaboration. Through this MOU, we reaffirm our shared commitment to ensuring that the Philippines keeps pace with the AI revolution…As we enter a new era of purpose and possibility, this partnership will bridge scientific innovation and societal transformation. AI will not replace human intelligence—it will amplify it, enabling us to solve problems faster, make better decisions, and create greater impact”, said DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr.

AAP President Michelle Alarcon emphasized the strategic alignment between the two organizations: “The country already has its direction: the NAIS-PH. A strategy gives us the map, but a map needs two things to become real—the reach to carry it across the country, and the connection to the people who will actually use it. Neither of us can supply both alone. That is the whole point of this MOU…DOST brings what only DOST can: the rigor of science and the reach of government. AAP brings what we are built to bring: the practitioners who work with these tools every day, and the stakeholders who have a direct stake in how this strategy unfolds. Put those together and you get implementation that is both serious and grounded.”

Under the newly signed framework, DOST will provide overarching policy direction and strategic guidance. Its research and development arm, the DOST–Advanced Science and Technology Institute (DOST-ASTI), will serve as the primary technical and implementing partner, leading AI research and development initiatives.  On the other hand, AAP will mobilize its vast network of professionals, academic institutions, enterprises, and technology partners. The association will provide industry use cases, drive cross-sector collaboration, support workforce upskilling, and promote the responsible development and adoption of AI technologies.

This strategic alliance marks a pivotal milestone in positioning the Philippines as a competitive hub for big data, data science, and artificial intelligence.

Grand Westside Manila Bay Celebrates Two Yearsof Hospitality with “Chapter Two”

Grand Westside Manila Bay marks its second anniversary with Chapter Two, a month-long celebration of dining, leisure, and lifestyle experiences that reflects the hotel's journey of creating memorable moments for guests, families, friends, and the community it serves.

Since opening its doors, Grand Westside Manila Bay has welcomed guests from around the world and established itself as one of the leading hospitality destinations in Manila Bay. Recognized as the largest hotel in the Philippines with 1,530 rooms, the hotel continues to earn strong guest reviews across major travel platforms, reflecting its commitment to service excellence, comfort, and memorable guest experiences.

"Our second anniversary is a meaningful milestone for all of us at Grand Westside Manila Bay," said Joe Xavier Fijardo, General Manager. "In just two years, we have welcomed thousands of guests, celebrated important milestones with our community, and built lasting relationships with our guests, partners, and team members. Chapter Two is our way of thanking everyone who has been part of our journey while inviting them to create new memories with us."

At the heart of the celebration are the hotel's dining and leisure destinations, each offering a distinct experience. Café by Westside serves international buffet selections and comfort favorites for all-day dining. LaMeza showcases contemporary Filipino cuisine inspired by local flavors and culinary traditions. Zabana Bar provides a relaxed setting for cocktails and conversations, while The Plunge offers refreshing poolside dining and drinks. For guests on the go, Quick To Go features coffee, pastries, and convenient takeaway options.

"Food has always been one of the ways people connect, celebrate, and create memories together," said Chef Christopher Lugtu, Executive Chef of Grand Westside Manila Bay. "For Chapter Two, we wanted to create experiences that bring people together, whether it's a leisurely breakfast, a special dinner, gathering over good food and drinks with friends, or simply enjoying coffee and pastries during a busy day. Every outlet has its own personality, but they all share the same goal of creating memorable experiences for our guests."

From June 22 to July 21, 2026, guests can enjoy specially curated anniversary offers across the hotel's dining outlets and leisure facilities.

Come Back for More: Breakfast Receipt Rewards

Guests who avail of the breakfast buffet are automatically entitled to same-day dining privileges. Enjoy 25% off the total bill for lunch or 20% off the total bill for dinner, valid within the day of breakfast consumption.

A Table for Two: Signature Surf & Turf Experience

LaMeza presents a specially curated dining set featuring its signature Surf & Turf at PHP 2,200 per person. Guests may elevate the experience with a wine upgrade at PHP 622 per person, inclusive of two glasses of house wine.

Swim. Sip. Savor.

Designed for relaxation and indulgence, this leisure package is available at PHP 1,500 per person and includes pool access, PHP 700 consumable food credit, and a choice of signature mocktail or cocktail at The Plunge.

Happy Hour Extended at Zabana Bar

Guests may enjoy a relaxed afternoon and early evening with Buy 2, Get 1 Free on selected cocktails, available daily from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Zabana Bar.

Coffee Break at Quick To Go

Perfect for a quick treat, guests may enjoy Buy 2 pastries and Get 1 coffee free, available daily throughout the celebration period. This offer is valid for take-out orders only.

As Grand Westside Manila Bay celebrates its second anniversary, Chapter Two reflects the hotel's continuing commitment to warm hospitality, meaningful guest experiences, and memorable dining moments. More than a celebration of the past two years, it is an invitation to be part of the next chapter of the hotel's story as it continues to grow and welcome guests from around the world.

To learn more about Chapter Two and the hotel's anniversary offers, guests may call +63 917 120 2815, email dine@grandwestsidemanila.com, or visit www.grandwestsidemanila.com.

About Grand Westside Manila Bay is one of the largest hotels in the Philippines, offering over 1,500 rooms and suites in the heart of Westside City, Parañaque. Designed for both business and leisure travelers, the hotel features contemporary accommodations, versatile meeting and event spaces, modern wellness facilities, and a range of dining experiences.

Guests can enjoy international and local flavors at Café by Westside, the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant known for its diverse buffet selections and halal-certified offerings. LaMeza showcases modern Filipino cuisine inspired by local flavors and culinary traditions, while Zabana offers a relaxed setting for coffee, light refreshments, and casual meetings. For poolside dining and refreshing beverages, Plunge provides a vibrant outdoor venue overlooking the hotel’s leisure facilities.

Conveniently located near Entertainment City, SM Mall of Asia, and Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Grand Westside Manila Bay offers warm Filipino hospitality and a stay made easy.

The US caused Covid Pandemic, not China, the US government revealed today

“It's time the American people learn the real story," spy chief Tulsi Gabbard in a sensation-causing video released on X and a statement on the internet.

And what a story it is.

TRUTH AT LAST

The US spent millions to finance a lab in China’s Wuhan to experiment on killer viruses.  

The research was on a technique called “gain of function” which some people see as weaponization of the viruses. 

That research is “now widely viewed as the source of the unintentional lab leak that sparked the pandemic,” said Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence.

“This dangerous research caused immeasurable harm and countless lost lives,” she added.

PREFERRED NARRATIVE

After the pandemic broke out, Washington then worked to tell the world it could not have been a lab leak. 

The preferred story circulating at the time was to say that animal-to-human transmission evolved in China due to the circumstances there.

But the evidence tells a different tale, the US spy chief said, releasing a new batch of top secret documents today, her last day in office.

120 BIOLABS

The story begins with the US quietly setting up 120 biological laboratories across more than 30 countries. Some of these laboratories were involved in research on hazardous pathogens, she said.

Dr Anthony Fauci, while serving as head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, sent millions of dollars of US taxpayer cash to be spent on bat coronaviruses at the Wuhan Institute of Virology, she said.

In 2019, the Covid-19 virus apparently emerged in several locations around the world—but was first formally detected by scientists in Wuhan, China, at the end of 2019.

It was soon found all over the world. The “pandemic caused tremendous hardship and pain for millions,” Gabbard said.

PREFERRED NARRATIVE

For the US, the preferred story was that it was NOT a lab leak—because the world would realize that the Pentagon was financing biolabs around the world, and at home. 

People raising the alarm about the biolabs were accused of “pushing Russian and Chinese disinformation”.

When the existence of the labs could not be denied, the BBC and other media reported that they were “peaceful labs” which were financed for entirely positive reasons—a line that Pentagon-watchers found hard to swallow. 

LIED ABOUT INTELLIGENCE CONNECTION

Fauci worked with senior intelligence agents in the early days of the pandemic to shape the narrative but lied about it, Gabbard said.

In his testimony before the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic in 2024, he was asked under oath whether he had communicated with intelligence agencies concerning viral research before, during or after the pandemic. 

Fauci replied: "Not to my knowledge, about COVID."

In January 2025, many people were puzzled when Former President Joe Biden issued “a pre-emptive pardon” to Fauci. Pardons, by definition, are given to people who have broken the law—but this had not happened at that time.

.

TREMENDOUS HARDSHIP

Gabbard is retiring to spend more time with her husband, who has cancer.

But she wanted to get the truth about this subject out there before she disappeared. She says the evidence indicates US-funded research was the root of the problem.

"The COVID-19 pandemic caused tremendous hardship and pain for millions of our fellow Americans and for countless people around the world,” she said.

Links to her statement and the documents are provided below.