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Middle East crisis and summer heat create double energy shock

The Philippines faces a critical energy crisis as Middle East geopolitical tensions disrupt global oil supplies and push Brent crude above $100 per barrel, coinciding with summer peak cooling demand that will strain grids by an additional 3,340 megawatts. The "double whammy" effect will drive electricity and fuel prices higher across all economic sectors, depreciate the peso, and increase inflation, but energy efficiency and conservation measures can serve as a first-line defense to reduce vulnerability and stabilize the economy.

DA warns of US-Iran conflict impact on PH agricultural costs and food inflation

The Department of Agriculture is closely monitoring potential impacts of the US-Iran conflict on the Philippine agriculture sector, particularly concerned about rising oil prices affecting petroleum-based fertilizers, freight costs, and fuel for agricultural machinery and fishing vessels. The agency warns that sustained oil price increases could drive up farm input costs and shipping rates for imported commodities like wheat and animal feed, ultimately raising retail prices of bread, poultry, and pork, which complicates efforts to contain food inflation and threatens food security in an import-dependent agricultural system.

Jeepney drivers seek fuel tax suspension or fare hike amid rising costs

Jeepney drivers are experiencing severe financial hardship with their take-home pay cut in half due to oil price increases and fuel excise taxes, urging the government to either suspend fuel excise taxes or approve a P2 minimum fare increase. The transport group Manibela presented these demands to the House of Representatives, highlighting the critical economic impact on public transport workers and the affordability crisis affecting the jeepney industry.

Duterte ICC charges for alleged extrajudicial killings and crimes against humani

Former President Rodrigo Duterte faces International Criminal Court charges for crimes against humanity related to alleged extrajudicial killings during his drug war campaign. The opinion piece critically analyzes Duterte's public statements threatening to kill criminals and drug offenders, arguing that his rhetoric directly incited police violence that resulted in thousands of deaths, while noting the stark contrast between his claimed commitment to due process and his actual calls for extrajudicial executions.

DOE assures stable fuel supply to Mindanao amid Middle East tensions

The Department of Energy assured the public on March 2, 2026 that the Philippines' fuel supply remains stable and sufficient despite escalating Middle East tensions, with no disruption to deliveries nationwide including Mindanao. The country maintains diversified crude oil and refined fuel imports from regional suppliers including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, and Southeast Asian countries, backed by mandated 30-day minimum inventory reserves and ongoing coordination with oil companies and government partners to prevent supply interruptions and price volatility.

Agricultural trade deficit widens amid export decline and import surge

The Philippines' agricultural trade deficit widened 2.2% year-on-year to $1.03 billion in January, driven by declining agricultural exports (-1.3%) and rising imports (+0.7%), with cereal imports surging 25.5% following the resumption of rice imports. The widening deficit reflects supply chain vulnerabilities and dependency on agricultural imports, particularly from Vietnam and other ASEAN suppliers, which may contribute to domestic food price pressures and cost of living concerns.

Catholic bishop appeals for fair pricing amid rising fuel prices

A Catholic bishop from Dumaguete, speaking through the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines, called for fair pricing of goods as fuel prices continue to rise due to Middle East military conflict. The appeal expresses solidarity with Filipinos affected by escalating costs stemming from the global fuel crisis.

Bigger budget needed for OFW repatriation amid US-Iran Middle East conflict

Rep. Bryan Revilla calls for increased budget allocation for the Department of Migrant Workers and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration to support overseas Filipino workers who may be forced to return home due to escalating US-Iran conflict in the Middle East. The House of Representatives is prepared to study larger funding for the 2027 General Appropriations Act and possible supplemental budget for 2026, with government currently deploying repatriation flights and maintaining emergency response funds for affected OFWs.

Marcos certifies urgent bill to suspend or reduce oil excise taxes

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has certified as urgent a legislative measure that would allow him to suspend or reduce excise taxes on oil products. The urgent certification enables Congress to expedite passage of the bill through second and third readings on the same day, potentially providing relief from rising fuel costs.

Fuel price volatility strains transport operators, threatens fare increases

Energy Secretary Sharon Garin warns that fuel prices are unlikely to decline soon despite recent global crude oil price drops, citing the unpredictable nature of global market conditions and geopolitical tensions. Jeepney operators are filing a petition for a P5 provisional fare increase with the LTFRB to offset rising fuel costs and daily operational losses, highlighting the strain on transport operators and low-income households dependent on public transportation.

DOT leadership transition: Frasco appointed as Presidential Adviser

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco as Presidential Adviser for Sustainable and Resilient Communities, with Undersecretary Verna Buensuceso assuming the role of officer in charge at the Department of Tourism. The leadership transition was confirmed by Palace Press Officer Claire Castro.

House approves special powers for President Marcos on fuel excise tax

The House of Representatives approved on second reading HB 8418, which grants President Marcos special powers to suspend or reduce fuel excise taxes during national or global economic emergencies. The measure includes strict safeguards such as triggers based on crude oil prices exceeding $80 per barrel or declared national emergencies, with a maximum duration of six months and mandatory congressional review.