The Stratbase Institute has urged the Marcos administration to accelerate energy cooperation under the Japan-led Asia Zero Emissions Community (AZEC), warning against energy deals that could expose the Philippines to undue geopolitical pressure or compromise its sovereignty.
In a statement released on Sunday, May 3, Stratbase Institute President Dindo Manhit emphasized that the Philippines must prioritize partnerships with “like-minded” nations such as Japan that respect international law and the rules-based order.
The call comes as the world faces a mounting energy crisis exacerbated by ongoing instability in the Middle East, highlighting the urgent need for a resilient and independent energy sector.
“The Philippines must be unequivocal in its direction and choose arrangements that deliver real, sustainable prosperity. It must build its energy future with partners that respect its sovereignty and share its support for a rules-based order. More importantly, it must choose a path where it can strengthen its own capabilities without compromising on its national interests,” the institute stated.
The call to action follows a high-level meeting on April 30 at Malacañan Palace between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and former Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio.
Kishida, who now serves as the Supreme Adviser to the Parliamentary Association of AZEC, visited Manila as a special envoy for Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to reaffirm Tokyo’s commitment to supporting the Philippines’ energy transition.
During their dialogue, Marcos acknowledged that the shift to renewable energy has become a “pressing and critical” matter due to global disruptions in the energy system.
“I understand that you are here to promote AZEC, a very important initiative, especially in this time. It was already very important before, but it has become especially pressing and critical with all of the events that are transpiring in the Middle East and the effects that it has had on the entire energy system of the world,” the President said.
Manhit underscored that AZEC provides a “credible and forward-looking framework” that simultaneously addresses energy security, economic growth, and decarbonization.
He specifically cautioned the government against energy proposals that might involve implicit concessions in the West Philippine Sea, where maritime tensions remain high.
“Any energy arrangement that comes with implicit or explicit concessions in the West Philippine Sea, or that turns a blind eye on the ongoing coercion there, directly undermines the country’s sovereign and national interests,” the institute added.
Marcos expressed hope that continued collaboration under the AZEC framework would allow the Philippines to successfully transition away from fossil fuels and integrate more renewable technologies into its national grid.
Japan has reportedly proposed co-hosting an AZEC leaders’ meeting in November to further solidify joint leadership in promoting zero-emission initiatives across Asia.