Hello PW Readers!

Oil markets are heating up and the ripple effects are already reaching the Philippines. The government is rolling out a temporary four-day workweek, fuel prices could surge, and businesses are bracing for higher costs. Here’s the quick briefing on what’s happening and why it matters this week.

Stay Sharp

Big picture: Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered a temporary four-day workweek for some Philippine government offices starting March 9, as officials brace for rising oil prices linked to tensions in the Middle East. The directive, issued through Memorandum Circular 114, applies only to selected executive branch agencies and will remain until the president lifts it.

How it works: Agencies may adopt a compressed schedule or one work-from-home day to reduce building energy use and fuel consumption. Offices providing essential services, such as police, firefighters, and frontline government counters, are exempt.

Other measures:

Context check: Regulators warn electricity prices could rise as global fuel costs surge, exposing the Philippines’ reliance on imported energy.

The Department of Energy warned diesel could exceed ₱80 per liter this month if Middle East tensions worsen and price hikes are not staggered. Officials are preparing subsidies, reserves, and contingency measures as fuel costs may also push up electricity generation and transport expenses nationwide.

GCash will waive fees on bank transfers, bill payments, and mobile load for Overseas Filipinos in six Middle East countries from March 4 to 14, 2026. The move aims to ease remittance costs and keep financial support flowing to families in the Philippines amid ongoing regional tensions.

The Philippine Competition Commission approved DoubleDragon Corp.’s purchase of a 35 percent stake in MerryMart Consumer Corp., a ₱1.28 billion deal marking its entry into the grocery sector. Regulators said competition in retail, warehouse, and commercial space markets remains strong despite the transaction.

Senator Estrada faced backlash after joking about Gilas prospect Means having a Filipino boyfriend, amid citizenship hearings on players’ intent to live and play long-term in Philippine basketball. (Read More)

Britney Spears was arrested for suspected DUI, released hours later, and will appear in court May 4 after a late-night highway patrol traffic stop. (Read more)

Gil Cuerva said a circulating video was recorded without his consent and called it a crime. Nikko Natividad posted a brief apology, while Arron Villaflor denied involvement. (Read More)

The Philippines and South Korea signed a deal to expand cooperation in emerging technologies, digitalization, and innovation during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s meeting with President Lee Jae Myung in Manila. (Read More)

The Philippine Space Agency signed an agreement with government and private partners to support rocket development training and experimental launches in the Philippines, exploring the potential establishment of a future Philippine spaceport. (Read More)

Ateneo de Manila University opened its ALIVE laboratory to industry partners and researchers to develop machine learning and computer vision technologies, supporting applications in healthcare imaging, traffic monitoring, and other real-world systems. (Read more)

Indonesia issued a stern warning to Meta after finding low compliance in removing disinformation, online gambling, and harmful content on Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, with only 28% of flagged posts addressed. (Read more)

The Philippines records around 300 to 400 rabies deaths and about 4 million animal bite cases annually, highlighting the need for stronger vaccination programs, public awareness, and responsible pet ownership.

A bill filed by Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez proposes annual barangay-based cancer screening programs for breast, cervical, colorectal, and prostate cancers, aiming to improve early detection through community testing, registries, and health worker training.

Reducing Protein Intake May Slow Liver Cancer Growth

A Rutgers University study found that lowering protein intake in people with impaired liver function can reduce ammonia levels, slow liver tumor growth, and improve survival, according to experiments in mice.

Babies Exposed to 42 ‘Forever Chemicals’ Before Birth

A study from the US and Canada found that newborns’ umbilical cord blood contains 42 types of PFAS, far more than previously detected, showing prenatal exposure to these persistent chemicals is widespread and complex.

Nearly 300 Filipinos repatriated from Middle East conflicts. Government provided aid, medical support, transport, psychosocial services upon arrival home. (Read more)

VP Duterte challenged critics to show unexplained wealth in her SALN amid impeachment complaints involving alleged misuse of confidential funds. (Read more)

Marcos expressed solidarity with UAE amid Gulf tensions, supporting safety of Filipinos and urging peace amid Middle East conflicts. (Read more)

Three Filipinos allegedly recruited to gather West Philippine Sea security data, paid online, now under AFP custody and investigation. (Read more)

Airstrikes by US and Israeli forces targeted multiple locations in Tehran, including a military academy and residential areas, while southern Lebanon and Beirut suburbs were also bombed as the conflict enters its seventh day.

A 27-year-old ambulance driver in Forli, Italy, is under investigation for allegedly murdering five elderly patients during non-emergency transports, with authorities examining possible use of poison or other harmful means.

Balendra Shah, Kathmandu’s mayor, is contesting Nepal’s first nationwide vote since last year’s Gen Z-led protests, campaigning on health, education, and anti-corruption to challenge traditional political parties.

📝 A UK company aims to run a city using just a glass of water. (Read more)

📝 Prince Andrew scandal revives interest in the crown series. (Read more)

📝 BTS Reunites for Arirang Album live global comeback performance on Netflix. (Watch)

📝 CES unveils lollipop that plays music as you eat it. (Watch)

📝 Scientists develop chewing gum that can neutralize viruses. (Read more)

Small Business Growth