Manila, Oct. 9 -- The possibility of the Philippines being a regional fuel stockpiling hub remains under study, but Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said making the country a priority once the need arises will be among the considerations.

Garin, in a briefing after the closing of the 44th ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City on Thursday, said a study is now being conducted with the help of Japan under the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) and its Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

"We're doing a feasibility study and all the other studies necessary to determine if we establish it in the Philippines and if we do,...