Ramon Ang renews offer to sell Petron to government

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

San Miguel Corporation (SMC) Chairman and CEO Ramon S. Ang renewed his offer to sell Petron Corporation back to the Philippine government, as the country navigates a national energy emergency and some lawmakers once again explore the possibility of returning the country’s only oil refinery to state hands.

“I first made this offer to Congress in 2021, and it remains open. If the government believes that Petron under its ownership will better serve the Filipino people especially in times like these, we are ready to sit down and make it happen,” Ang said.

He said the sale could be structured in tranches at fair market valuation so the government would not need to shoulder a lump-sum payment during a difficult fiscal period.

“We have never treated Petron as simply a profit center. We lost over P11 billion in 2020. We invested $2 billion to upgrade the Bataan refinery and kept it running even when it would have been easier to just import finished fuel, the way other oil companies chose to do. We did that because the country needs its own refining capacity. That has always been our reason,” he said.

With the Petron Bataan refinery processing 180,000 barrels per day and supplying roughly a third of national fuel demand, Ang noted that the facility’s importance to energy security has only grown amid the disruption of the Strait of Hormuz and record-high fuel prices.

“This is not about who owns Petron. This is about what is best for the country.”

New NAIA Expressway off-ramp to cut travel time to Terminal 3

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., along with SMC Chairman and CEO Ramon S. Ang (right) and DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon, leads Friday’s opening of the new NAIA Expressway off-ramp link to Terminal 3.

Motorists heading to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 from the Skyway can now save about 15 to 25 minutes following the opening of a new off-ramp linking the NAIA Expressway directly to the terminal.

President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. on Thursday led the opening of the Andrews Avenue off-ramp, which is intended to ease congestion on a key approach to the airport by allowing vehicles to bypass a persistent bottleneck.

Built by San Miguel Corporation (SMC) through its infrastructure arm, the new link is expected to improve access to Terminal 3 ahead of the Holy Week travel peak, when passenger volumes at NAIA typically rise.

SMC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Ramon S. Ang said traffic in the area had been causing delays of as much as 30 minutes over a one-kilometer stretch due to heavy vehicle density.

The project includes a 320-meter, two-lane off-ramp along Andrews Avenue in Pasay City, along with road widening works at the at-grade section near the Circulo del Mundo Rotonda.

It was completed in 12 months, faster than the original 36-month estimate, following coordination among construction teams, contractors, regulators and government agencies, including the Pasay City government, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB).

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon said the project forms part of the Marcos administration’s push to expand public-private partnerships for transport infrastructure. “The President has made clear that we must work hand in hand with the private sector to deliver projects that ease the burden of daily travel for our kababayans,” Dizon said.

PHOTOS:

NAIAx Andrews Avenue Toll Plaza

The off-ramp links NAIAx to Andrews Avenue leading directly to Terminal 3

Deep Blue Ambition: The Philippines Redefines the Abyss at KUSPO 2026

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

SEOUL, South Korea — Beneath the shimmering lights of the COEX Convention and Exhibition Center, a high-stakes transformation is unfolding. As the Korea Underwater Sports Expo (KUSPO) kicks off its four-day residency (March 26–29), the Philippine delegation, led by the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), isn't just showing up—they are staking a claim as the undisputed titan of the underwater world.

This isn't merely a trade show; it is a tactical maneuver in the heart of South Korea’s massive sports and leisure industry (SPOEX). For the Philippines, the mission is clear: turn the silent depths of the Coral Triangle into a roaring economic engine.

The Surge: Breaking Records in the Deep

The momentum behind this year’s delegation is nothing short of electric. In 2025, the TPB’s presence at KUSPO shattered expectations, generating a staggering PHP 125 million in sales leads. This represented a gravity-defying 306.66% increase from the previous year.

That explosive growth has set the stage for 2026. The Philippines is no longer just a destination; it is a "top-of-mind" obsession for the South Korean market.

“South Korea is one of our most valuable tourism markets,” says TPB Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles. “KUSPO serves as a strategic gateway... Our goal is to co-create value in the dive and wellness sectors, ensuring our offerings remain compelling amidst a rapidly evolving tourism climate.”

Beyond the Oxygen Tank: A New Vision of Luxury

This year, the strategy has evolved. Recognizing that today’s traveler craves more than just adrenaline, the Philippine delegation is pioneering a "Resilient Portfolio." They are weaving together two seemingly opposite worlds: High-Growth Dive Tourism and Premium Wellness.

The pitch to South Korean travelers is a holistic one:

The Descent: World-class dive training and certification in the center of global marine biodiversity.

The Ascent: Luxurious, soul-recharging wellness experiences that utilize the natural richness of the Philippine islands to heal the body after a day in the deep.

The Epicenter of Life

As the "Center of the Center" of marine biodiversity, the Philippine pavilion at KUSPO acts as a portal to the world’s most diverse underwater ecosystems. From the haunting shipwrecks of Coron to the kaleidoscopic reefs of Tubbataha, the delegation is positioning the country as the ultimate "Blue Laboratory" for advanced underwater experiences.

By fostering direct dialogue between global professionals and local stakeholders, the TPB is ensuring that the Philippine dive industry doesn't just react to market trends—it sets them.

The invitation to the world is simple but bold: Discover the heartbeat of the ocean. Whether you are a professional buyer or a thrill-seeking enthusiast, the Philippines is beckoning you to dive deeper, stay longer, and emerge transformed.