Philippine Imports & Exports

...Trump saw an Anglo-Zanzibar War, but he got a shorter, but just as pathetic, Vietnam.
- @Fred

For comparison, the green is Vietnam.

Doesn't look like it would be a cakewalk, and that's for sure.

Fred said . . . . That leaves the US limping home to lick their wounds, and Iran in total control of The Straits of Hormuz.

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Really?

Two US destroyers transverse The Straight of Hormuz,

Fred said . . . . That leaves the US limping home to lick their wounds, and Iran in total control of The Straits of Hormuz.
****************************Really?
Two US destroyers transverse The Straight of Hormuz, - @Enzyte Bob

Are you sure the ships are destroyers? I read that they are smaller mine-sweepers.

Fred said . . . . That leaves the US limping home to lick their wounds, and Iran in total control of The Straits of Hormuz.

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I said . . . . .

Really?

Two US destroyers transverse The Straight of Hormuz,

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Aiden in HCMC said . . . Are you sure the ships are destroyers? I read that they are smaller mine-sweepers.

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Aiden for your information they were Guided Missile Destroyers

USS Franklin E. Peterson DDG 121

USS Michael Murphy DDG 112

@Enzyte Bob

I stand corrected. Thank you.

The report I (apparently mis)read might have alluded to their current mission?

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/4/1 … -talks-end

It looks like The Straits of Hormuz is under a blockade again, thus imports to the Philippines may be in difficulty.

So, there you have it, the meeting went well, most points were agreed to, but the only point that really mattered, NUCLEAR, was not,” Trump said. “Effective immediately, the United States Navy, the Finest in the World, will begin the process of BLOCKADING any and all Ships trying to enter, or leave, the Strait of Hormuz.

The idiot in chief previously demanded countries that wanted supplies go in and open the waterway, but he's now blockading it himself.

I agree with his previous demand so we should see the world's navies heading there to escort ships past the US blockade.

Given where I first read this, I simply didn't believe the story as it is so ridiculous, but the BBC and so on all carry it.

https://www.marineinsight.com/indian-na … sian-gulf/

Oops!

The Indian navy is on the way to break the blockade, but the blockading force is the US Navy.

Will Trump's blind stupidity start a wider war between the US and India, possibly Asia?

https://www.marineinsight.com/indian-na … sian-gulf/Oops!The Indian navy is on the way to break the blockade, but the blockading force is the US Navy.

* Will Trump's blind stupidity start a wider war between the US and India, possibly Asia?

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The above link has nothing to do with your statement *

Also the link you provided says: Any reliance you place on such information is at your own risk.

Everything you say is mostly "Oops".

Are you implying a question a war with India?

A fleet of empty Big Beautiful Tankers are heading to the Bay of America to pick up American oil rather than have Indian ships delivering it.

`

Don't know if this information is accurate.

However, maybe the reason for Trump's plans?

Anyone know?  (Part item quote and URL follows)

Quote: "US Gulf Coast crude exports just hit a record 4.9 million barrels per day in April, heading to 5 million in May.

Asian buyers are snapping up every barrel that isn't nailed down because the Strait of Hormuz is still functionally closed.

The world can't get Middle Eastern oil out. So it's buying American oil instead. At nearly $100 a barrel.

Meanwhile, Saudi production capacity is down 600,000 barrels per day from infrastructure attacks. And Iraq, Kuwait, UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain have collectively shut in 9.1 million barrels per day.

Every barrel loaded at a Texas terminal is a barrel that Japan, South Korea, India, and Europe are fighting over because their traditional suppliers are offline.

This is what energy dominance looks like in practice.

And Asia's economy is still stuffed, because there simply isn't enough to fully go round, so those nations are going to have crazy issues getting the capital to buy this oil.

It's an economic pincer the world has never seen and Uncle Sam is making Bank. It's an economic corker."

(End quote)

Ref: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18KDFWvbXo/

I hear Marcos has given P 5K to all Jeepney and tricycle drivers that are registered and 4 of Ben's cousins that have tricycles have received the money to help with price hikes.

The uptake on EV's and even solar systems here is amazing, Australia is the same, seems people with long memories don't want to be held to ransom these days.  with the alternatives available.

The Australian energy minister Chris Bowen has announced even more funds and help for electrification and non reliance on fossil fuels.

Australia is keeping its nose out of the gulf crap as are many other countries. I look at it like this. If you break something then fix it.

OMO.

Cheers, Steve.

@PalawOne

You miss the big picture . . . . The US embargo no in and no out. That chokes the source of income of Iran. China will be derived of oil, they were buying heavy discounted oil from Iran & Venezuela. Several weeks ago I posted no in and no out will happen.

The straight will be opened soon for oil exports as long as it's not Iranian oil.

bigpearl said . . . .I hear Marcos has given P 5K to all Jeepney and tricycle drivers that are registered and 4 of Ben's cousins that have tricycles have received the money to help with price hikes.

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You're a little late with news, I posted the actual figures in the past for Buses & Jeepneys.

LMAO. I well knew my turn was coming with your little tantrums.

Cheers, Steve.

big beautiful pearl said . . . .LMAO. I well knew my turn was coming with your little tantrums.

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LM"A"O does that thingamajig laugh?

Bitter and twisted it seems. Get on with your life.

Cheers, Steve.

The straight will be opened soon for oil exports as long as it's not Iranian oil. - @Enzyte Bob

Perhaps you can explain why Iranian oil is so bad.

Perhaps some could explain why alternatives are not as good or better than a stupid drill baby drill mentality?

My home and car are powered by the sun, no frigging charges, What are fools going to do when all the hydrocarbons are gone/used and abused like the rest of the planet?

I'll stick with our one sun that gives all we need. No bills nor worrying about fools waging wars that affect so many that can least afford the stupidity. Kings or fools.

OMO.

Cheers, Steve.

Indonesia has just put a three year plan forward to minimise oil imports.

Massive solar investment along with a push to EVs - Those including my little beautiful bikes that cost nothing to run.

Trump's wars are doing us a favour in the long term

And reflected in world wide take up of EV's, home solar generation, Fred many countries are thinking the same as Indonesia and moving away from stupidity. Some of us thinking people would like to be in control and not be governed by fools lining their own pockets.

Cheers, Steve.

I said . . . .The straight will be opened soon for oil exports as long as it's not Iranian oil.

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Fred replied . . . . Perhaps you can explain why Iranian oil is so bad.

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Fred try to concentrate: I  did not say Iranian oil is bad.

If the Iranian ports are blockaded their oil cannot leave their ports, but all other countries commerce will be allowed to pass through the straights.

Your friends in China will be the big loser.

Indonesia has just put a three year plan forward to minimise oil imports.
Massive solar investment along with a push to EVs - Those including my little beautiful bikes that cost nothing to run.
Trump's wars are doing us a favour in the long term - @Fred

When I was in Jakarta in February I noticed a couple of electric scooters for the first time. If these take off it really will mitigate the pollution problem not to mention the noise levels.

big beautiful pearl said . . . . And reflected in world wide take up of EV's, home solar generation, Fred many countries are thinking the same as Indonesia and moving away from stupidity. Some of us thinking people would like to be in control and not be governed by fools lining their own pockets.

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Yes solar power tankers, solar power fertilizer, solar power medicine, solar power semi's delivering food to your market, solar power aircraft's for your three year trip for renewal of your visa.

I think your solar powered cranium is running on the wrong juice.

I said . . . .The straight will be opened soon for oil exports as long as it's not Iranian oil.
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Fred replied . . . . Perhaps you can explain why Iranian oil is so bad.
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Fred try to concentrate: I did not say Iranian oil is bad.

If the Iranian ports are blockaded their oil cannot leave their ports, but all other countries commerce will be allowed to pass through the straights.

Your friends in China will be the big loser. - @Enzyte Bob

Ok. So why is Iran selling oil a bad thing?

When I was in Jakarta in February I noticed a couple of electric scooters for the first time. If these take off it really will mitigate the pollution problem not to mention the noise levels. - @Lotus Eater

The things are everywhere, and shops selling them are popping up on every second street.

I bought one to replace my wife's aging ICE bike, then I got my glorified bicycle.

2 car families are buying them as cheap alternative transport, leaving the 4 wheelers at home in favour of their bike.

Poor people buy the very cheap ones because they are cheap and last for years.

The motorcycle classified ones are very cheap on tax, but the bike ones are free of all restrictions.  No license,  no tax, no nothing.

I've just silently nipped up to the shops on mine.  Taking the car would have been a pain, but the bike is easy.

Toss in the environmental advantages and you are onto a winner.

When I was in Jakarta in February I noticed a couple of electric scooters for the first time. If these take off it really will mitigate the pollution problem not to mention the noise levels. - @Lotus Eater

The reduction in air pollution might not be as substantial as one might think.

Take a look at this thread in the VN forum.

Thanks for the link/read Aiden, interesting the figures.

Thing is and it reminds me of the old song by Pete Seegar. "The garden song".

The seeds have been planted no different to the industrial and auto revolution and big tech now that is power hungry.

I see so far there have been 100+ planes parked up in Spains parking lot because of fuel costs and lack of customers, early days yet as they can accommodate over 400 jumbos and it ain't over yet.

Reminds me of the Covid days.

No fool can object to electrification as the way of the future. Guess what? The sun is not going to hold the average punter to ransom, nor will wind or other alternatives.

Sometimes apparent kings can make stupid choices and the crowns are easily knocked off.

I'll stick with the sun.

Cheers, Steve.

No fool can object to electrification as the way of the future. Guess what? The sun is not going to hold the average punter to ransom, nor will wind or other alternatives.
Cheers, Steve. - @bigpearl

I disagree - Fools can and will.

However, regardless of fools and their mouths, your point is correct at this moment in time, but watch out for fusion.

Yeah good point Fred, plenty of fools around.

Hydrogen maybe but fusion? long way off and yes they are working on it but in the mean time? We have a free reactor giving power every day and we have harnessed it, fostered and benefiting.

Cheers, Steve.

Welp!

That stifles any argument against EV vehicles due to range anxiety.

(Link to new post in same VN forum thread)

Aidan, we have a PHEV and in 10 months have put less than P5K in the tank. and still 2/3 full.long trips yes but local simply plug it into our solar and an average of 120 klicks for the local stuff on 18.4 Kw of batteries.

No range anxiety and saving P 50 to 60K per year in a luxury SUV.

Cheers, Steve.

"Philippines seeks US nod to extend Russian oil imports amid supply risks"

By Kristine Daguno-Bersamina, April 15, 2026 | 9:16am  https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2026/04/15/2521133/philippines-seeks-us-nod-extend-russian-oil-imports-amid-supply-risks

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines is seeking an extension of a United States sanctions waiver to allow continued oil imports from Russia, as the government moves to secure fuel supply amid ongoing global disruptions, the Department of Energy (DOE) said.

Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said Tuesday, April 14, the DOE has coordinated with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to formally request “another window” or extension of the waiver, which would allow Manila to keep buying Russian crude despite existing sanctions.

“We have communicated with the DFA for another window or extension of the lifting of the embargo,” Garin said, adding the request will be coursed through the Philippine ambassador to the United States.

“We’re awaiting for their response, but we’re very positive on getting this window. If it doesn’t come through, we have other options also,” she added.

Sanctions on Russia were imposed following its invasion of Ukraine, although Washington has allowed temporary waivers to stabilize global energy markets.

The Philippines’ move comes as global oil flows remain volatile due to tensions in the Middle East, including disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for crude shipments.

Data from the DOE showed at least four million barrels of oil shipments to the Philippines were canceled following the outbreak of the US-Israeli war on Iran, tightening supply in the import-dependent country.

Despite this, a shipment carrying around 700,000 barrels of Russian crude arrived in the country last month, with Petron Corp. listed as the consignee. The firm operates the Philippines’ sole oil refinery, which secured nearly 2.5 million barrels of crude during the period.

Garin warned the situation could persist over the coming months.

"The Department of Energy sees this current problem as not only a problem for today or next week or next month. It will be a prolonged problem," she said.

Around 30% of the country’s crude imports pass through the Strait of Hormuz, while the rest are sourced from Asian refiners that also rely on Middle Eastern oil.

The tightening supply has already driven up local pump prices, with diesel costs doubling in recent weeks.

Even as it pushes to reopen access to Russian oil, the government is exploring alternative suppliers.

“Hindi lang naman Russia ang nagpo-produce,” Garin said, saying that countries in South America such as Colombia and Argentina, as well as Canada and the United States, could supply crude.

“Even in nearby countries like Brunei, India, marami pa rin naman tayong (we still have) other options,” she added.

“Even in nearby countries like Brunei, India, marami pa rin naman tayong other options,” she added.

While these countries produce different grades of crude, Garin said their refined products remain usable for the Philippines.

"We wanted to open the Russian window because we want more options.” she said.

The DOE said it continues to hold discussions with various embassies, including that of the United States, to address supply concerns and explore possible solutions.

The Philippines currently has about 50 days’ worth of petroleum supply, according to the energy chief.

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bigpearl said . . . on 18.4 Kw of batteries.

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Is this the capacity of your EV's batteries?

Yes King dump, if you learnt to read our car is PHEV. I'm sure that is beyond your brain to comprehend.

Cheers, Steve.

bigpearl said . . . Yes King dump, if you learnt to read our car is PHEV. I'm sure that is beyond your brain to comprehend.

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All your braggadocious about EV's, yet you own a BYD PHEV. That car can only go about 60 miles on a charge then it switches to gasoline.

And Bob? If you learnt to read and remember I have posted on this multiple times but I'll refresh your ailing memory. Range from experience is 120 to 140 Kms. more than enough for our local running around, plug it in every few days from the sun. Fuel? In 10 months we have put P5K in the tank for long trips, the tank is still 66% or about P 3K full so will last another 6 months as no long trips planned.

Remember my range anxiety? We have both sides covered with PHEV. What have you got?

Perhaps worry about your self anointed bishop, then king and seems now an effigy of Jesus H Christ. What a dick. Just look at what your king is doing to the world economy.

Cheers, Steve.

bigpearl  said. . . .And Bob? If you learnt to read and remember I have posted on this multiple times but I'll refresh your ailing memory. Range from experience is 120 to 140 Kms. more than enough for our local running around, plug it in every few days from the sun. Fuel? In 10 months we have put P5K in the tank for long trips, the tank is still 66% or about P 3K full so will last another 6 months as no long trips planned.
Remember my range anxiety? We have both sides covered with PHEV. What have you got?
Perhaps worry about your self anointed bishop, then king and seems now an effigy of Jesus H Christ. What a dick. Just look at what your king is doing to the world economy.

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Getting under your skin dog?

What's your ROI on your PHEV? With your limited driving as you say, It's probably beyond your lifetime.

Perhaps worry about your self anointed bishop, then king and seems now an effigy of Jesus H Christ. What a dick. Just look at what your king is doing to the world economy.

Cheers, Steve. - @bigpearl

Trump is ineffable... well, maybe not, but I bet he has to pay.🤣

HAHAHA. What is your ROI on your stairs? I care little and a set of wheels we replace every 5 years, motors cost no matter how you look at it but we plug ours into the sun.

Cheers, Steve.

Big Beautiful Pearl . . . .HAHAHA. What is your ROI on your stairs?

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Is that the best you can do? Get your Jollies on my handicap do to my old age?