Executive Secretary Ralph Recto expressed hopes that the oil diplomacy the Philippines is pursuing amid the Iran-US conflict would not only replenish the country 's stocks, but build it up. Recto stated this during a meeting with business groups and executives of petroleum companies on...
TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — U.S. President Donald Trump pulled back on his threats to launch devastating strikes on Iran late Tuesday, swerving to deescalate the war less than two hours before the deadline he set for Tehran to capitulate or else a “whole civilization will die.” Trump said he...
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the United States military launched expanded joint military exercises with ground and air drills unfolding simultaneously in Luzon in a major step in strengthening alliance readiness amid worsening tensions in the Middle East and, as an effect, the...
If the war in the Middle East prolongs and global oil prices continue to skyrocket, the Philippine peso could breach the ₱61:$1 level in the second quarter of 2026 and even hit as low as ₱62 to ₱64 against the United States (US) dollar. “Our base case forecasts for the US dollar-Philippine...
NEW YORK (AP) — Blake Lively’s sexual harassment claims against Justin Baldoni over the movie “It Ends With Us” were dismissed Thursday by a federal judge who left intact three claims, including retaliation, that will let a jury hear many of the allegations anyway. The written ruling by...
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump sought on Wednesday to explain his rationale for the war against Iran at a pivotal moment at home and abroad, but he offered few new details as he amasses extraordinary executive authority to prosecute the military operation. The war is fast becoming a...
Applicants from more US visa category groups are now required to set their social media accounts public, based on the latest advisory of the US Embassy in Manila. Effective March 30, visa applicants who need to change their social media privacy setting belong to the following categories: Fiancé(e)...
On Feb. 28, 2026, the United States (US) and Israel launched a surprise attack on multiple cities across Iran. Within days, oil prices surged from around $70 a barrel to well over $100. Like many others, I was stunned to see diesel prices at the gas station spike above ₱100 per liter—and...
Malacañang said the ongoing conflict in the Middle East has contributed to the Philippine peso’s decline to a record low. Although Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro did not entirely attribute the weakening of peso against US dollar to the ongoing war, she said...
Singapore-based DBS Bank Ltd stated that the Philippine peso is emerging as one of Asia’s most vulnerable currencies as deepening global oil crisis exposes the nation’s heavy reliance on imported energy and the lack of government subsidies. DBS wrote in a commentary published last Friday that...
Three weeks before the official start of the Exercise Balikatan, the largest annual bilateral military drills between the Philippines and United States, Filipino and American troops swapped rifles for shovels to break ground for a two-classroom building in El Nido, Palawan on Friday, March 27. The...
The peso tumbled to a fresh record low on Friday, March 27, breaching the 60.5-level as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East intensified and the central bank signaled it sees no immediate need to defend the currency. The peso weakened to ₱60.55 per dollar, surpassing the previous historic low...