Hello PW Readers!

The government just paused fare hikes. Good news, right? Kind of. Fuel prices are still climbing, the peso is weakening, and transport groups are pushing back. Some schools even moved online because of strikes. So while fares are on hold, the bigger problem hasn’t really gone anywhere.

Stay Sharp.

Big picture
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered a last-minute suspension of planned fare hikes, saying rising oil prices linked to the Middle East conflict make it the wrong time to raise transport costs. The move aims to protect commuters already dealing with higher living expenses.

What’s really happening
The pause helps passengers for now, but transport groups say it creates uncertainty. Drivers and operators still face rising fuel, spare parts, and daily costs, with no clear long-term support in place. Some groups are calling for subsidies, wage relief, and even fuel price controls, arguing that suspending fares alone does not solve the problem.

Zoom out
A proposed fuel excise tax suspension now awaits the President’s approval, which could lower pump prices if signed. Meanwhile, a transport strike forced several schools and universities to shift online (see the list of school here), showing how fast policy decisions ripple into daily life.

The Department of Finance said the central bank may raise interest rates in April if high global oil prices persist and pressure the peso. The currency hit ₱59.87 per dollar, near record lows, while supply shocks threaten inflation and growth, potentially delaying economic recovery targets this year.

Philippine vehicle sales dropped 8.5% in February to 35,842 units, bringing year-to-date sales down 9.4% amid rising fuel prices. Carmakers are shifting to fuel-efficient models as buyers cut back, while electric vehicle sales surged, up 66.9% this year, signaling a gradual shift in consumer demand.

China told the Philippines it will not restrict fertilizer exports, easing supply concerns as Middle East tensions disrupt global trade. The Philippines has secured 84% of its needs but remains exposed to price spikes and delivery risks, with most fertilizer imported and key shipping routes under strain.

Congress Clears Fuel Tax Cut Measure for Marcos Approval

Congress approved a bill allowing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to suspend or reduce fuel excise taxes amid rising oil prices. The measure skips bicameral review for faster enactment and requires impact reports, aiming to ease inflation pressures and cushion households and businesses from volatile fuel costs.

SB19 will perform at Lollapalooza 2026 in Chicago from July 30 to August 2, becoming the first Filipino group in the festival’s lineup alongside major global artists. (Read More)

Autumn Durald Arkapaw won best cinematography at the 2026 Oscars for “Sinners,” becoming the first woman of color to win the award in the category’s history. (Read More)

Alex Eala returns to the Miami Open as the 31st seed, facing Laura Siegemund after a breakout 2025 run that boosted her global ranking and raised expectations. (Read more)

Lollipop Star debuts at CES 2026, letting users hear music through candy using bone conduction, pairing flavors with artists and exclusive tracks, creating a private, bite-activated audio experience new unique. (Read More)

A WIRED investigation found Telegram channels recruiting mostly women as “AI face models” for deepfake scams, making up to 100 video calls daily, raising concerns over identity misuse, fraud growth, and victim protection. (Read More)

Researchers warn extremists use games like Roblox and Minecraft to spread violent ideas, recreating attacks and targeting young users through online communities. (Read more)

Scientists in Australia taught 200,000 human brain cells on a chip to play Doom, while US researchers simulated a fruit fly brain, showing advances in AI, neuroscience, and potential medical research applications. (Read more)

The National Museum warned Filipinos not to touch flower urchins found on beaches, as their toxins can cause paralysis, numbness, and breathing problems, with the species widely present in Philippine waters.

A 33-year-old man lived for 48 hours without lungs after severe flu and pneumonia destroyed them. Doctors used an artificial lung system to oxygenate his blood until a double lung transplant.

Deep Ocean Microbes Show Signs of Adapting to Warming

Researchers report that Nitrosopumilus maritimus, a key deep-sea microbe, is adjusting to higher temperatures and low iron levels, helping maintain nutrient cycles and supporting ocean biodiversity amid climate change.

Experts Tags Ozempic ‘Safe’ But Not For Everyone

Health expert Dr. Elaine Cunanan said in Manila that Ozempic can help overweight or obese people lose weight, even without diabetes, but it must be used with medical guidance and healthy habits.

Twelve Filipino seafarers were rescued in Iraq after their oil tanker was attacked by explosive-laden boats, and are now safe awaiting repatriation. (Read more)

PNP deployed nearly 10,000 personnel across Metro Manila to secure a transport strike, assist commuters, and maintain public safety. (Read more)

Senator JV Ejercito said the ethics complaint against Bato dela Rosa may be dismissed since Senate rules lack a “no work, no pay” provision. (Read more)

Chinese ships harassed Filipino fishermen near Scarborough Shoal, prompting PCG and BFAR to deploy vessels and conduct maritime patrols. (Read more)

Piston-Cebu slams fare hike suspension, says drivers lose lifeline as fuel costs surge and take-home income drops sharply amid crisis. (Read more)

Oslo prosecutors asked a court to sentence Marius Borg Hoiby, 29, stepson of Crown Prince Haakon, to seven years and seven months for rape, domestic abuse, and other crimes, while he denies the most serious charges.

Ali Larijani, Iran’s top national security official and powerful regime insider, was killed in strikes, Israeli and Iranian authorities confirmed, marking the highest-ranking death in the country since Supreme Leader Khamenei’s recent illness.

Italian officials said the Russian tanker Arctic Metagaz, damaged in a suspected drone attack and drifting without crew, poses a major environmental risk as it carries large amounts of LNG, fuel oil, and diesel.

📝 Kuya Kim Atienza offers to pay therapy sessions for netizen seeking mental health help. (Read more)

📝 Jeepney driver skips lunch, takes home only P300 as diesel prices soar past P100 per liter. (Watch)

📝 Koronadal exam taker barred from teacher board exam for arriving four minutes late. (Read more)

📝 Transport chief says gas station hoarding diesel before price hike. (Read more)

📝 Chicago River turns green as US celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with parades and fountains. (Watch)