Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 7) — Power plants slated for completion within the year or early 2024 could help cushion the possible impact of the Israel-Hamas war on the local energy market, according to a government official.
Asked if the ongoing conflict in the Middle East would affect the Philippine inflation rate, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Undersecretary Rosemarie Edillon said the general consensus was it would “be contained.But if tensions further escalate, the country would need energy intervention measures as fuel and energy prices would be the first ones to be hit.With respect to energy, marami nang power plants, transmission projects na naka-schedule to be completed either this year or early this year. Ang instruction ay to make sure that they will be on schedule,” she said.[Translate: With respect to energy, a number of power plants and transmission projects are scheduled to be completed this year or early next year. The instruction is to make sure that they will be on schedule.]The NEDA official said this would ensure that the impact of the increase in energy prices on the Philippines would be “limited.Edillon said the government’s top priority is the safety of overseas Filipino workers in the conflict area.
