By Tracy Cabrera Business leaders are raising alarms over the renewed conflict in the Middle East, warning that escalating tensions could ripple through the Philippine economy through higher fuel costs, supply disruptions, and risks to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). Industry groups said the country’s heavy dependence on imported oil makes it particularly vulnerable if global crude prices continue to surge …
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The government has ordered all state offices to reduce fuel consumption as tensions in the Middle East threaten to drive up global oil prices and disrupt supply. The directive came after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. convened a special Cabinet meeting at Malacañang Palace last week to assess the escalating conflict and its possible effects on the Philippines. During the meeting, …
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The Department of Energy (DOE) has launched an investigation into alleged hoarding of petroleum products amid rising supply concerns triggered by the conflict in the Middle East. In a statement Thursday, the agency said reports from its field offices in Luzon and Mindanao indicated irregularities in fuel supply and retail prices. The DOE warned that individuals found violating Republic Act …
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The Philippine government is studying a Singaporean model that invests in women’s health even before they begin conceiving or starting families, an approach officials say could improve maternal and child outcomes while strengthening long-term economic productivity. The interest emerged after a bilateral meeting between Rex Gatchalian, secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and Masagos Zulkifli, Singapore’s minister …
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Telecommunications provider PLDT and its mobile arm Smart Communications blocked more than 83,000 attempts to access online child abuse materials in January as part of efforts to protect children in the digital space. In a statement Thursday, company first vice president Roby Alampay said the crackdown was made possible by the firm’s tools that detect and block Child Sexual Abuse …
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Former senator Antonio Trillanes IV on Thursday filed criminal complaints before the Department of Justice (DOJ) against 18 former Marines, lawyer Levi Baligod, former lawmaker Mike Defensor, broadcaster Jay Sonza and other personalities over allegations that he bribed officials of the International Criminal Court (ICC). The complaints stem from claims by the respondents that Trillanes received USD2 million from former …
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The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the El Niño phenomenon may begin developing around July this year and could persist through the August to October period as warmer ocean temperatures emerge. In an announcement, Ana Liza Solis, chief of PAGASA’s Climate Monitoring and Prediction Section, said the weather bureau has been monitoring the possible formation of …
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Malacañang on Thursday called for heightened vigilance across government offices following the discovery of espionage operations in the country allegedly linked to Chinese intelligence. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said security agencies have already taken action against individuals identified under the government’s Insider Threat Program. She urged government offices to strengthen safeguards for sensitive information and remain alert against possible …
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The government is considering lowering toll rates at the Manila-Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX) once the toll road becomes fully owned by the state through PEA Tollway Corporation (PEATC), officials said Thursday. PEATC President and CEO Delfin Torrecampo Jr. said toll reductions may be possible once government ownership of the expressway reaches 100 percent. “PEATC is the sole or the only government …
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The Land Transportation Office (LTO) clarified last week that vehicles with aftermarket mufflers passing a noise test at a Private Motor Vehicle Inspection Center (PMVIC) can still be apprehended if they violate other regulations. In a statement, the agency said PMVIC inspections only measure noise compliance, not the legality of aftermarket mufflers. Sound level testing, with a limit of 99 …
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