Manila, March 24 -- The Philippines' chairship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) this year provides an opportunity to advance a regional fuel-sharing mechanism amid global oil supply uncertainties, Senator Francis Escudero said Tuesday.

Escudero urged the government to push for the completion of the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), a proposed framework that would allow member states to supply petroleum to neighbors facing at least a 10 percent shortfall in domestic fuel needs.

The senator said the Philippines is in a "pivotal position" to lead efforts toward strengthening regional energy security as oil prices remain volatile due to ongoing geopolitical tensions.

"By accelerating APSA's completion, ASEAN c...