Hello PW Readers!

Good morning. Oil prices may surge again next week, the government is scrambling to stabilize fuel supply, and unemployment just climbed to a 43-month high. We break down what it means for the economy, plus business, tech, science, and global stories worth knowing today.

Stay Sharp.

Big picture: Malacañang met with oil industry executives on March 12 to secure fuel supply and discourage excessive pump price hikes as global oil markets remain unstable. Executive Secretary Ralph Recto said the talks focused on keeping supply steady while preventing sudden price spikes that could hit Filipino consumers and transport groups.

Context check: The meeting was led by Recto and Energy Secretary Sharon Garin. Officials said the government is monitoring risks such as geopolitical tensions that could disrupt global supply chains. Oil companies assured the Palace that current fuel deliveries to the Philippines remain manageable for now.

What the government is doing: Authorities are pushing several measures to cushion the impact of rising oil costs. These include promoting energy conservation, giving subsidies to transport groups, and fast-tracking a bill that would allow the suspension or reduction of excise taxes on petroleum during economic emergencies.

Why it matters: Fuel prices influence almost everything in the economy, from transport fares to food costs. Officials say close coordination with oil companies is needed to prevent market volatility from quickly spilling into everyday prices for Filipino households.

The SEC plans to lift its nearly four-year freeze on new online lending platforms and impose higher capital requirements on operators in the Philippines. Draft rules set capital from P30 million to P100 million depending on number of apps, while banning access to borrowers’ contacts and limiting automated debt collection messages.

Fuel prices in the Philippines may surge again on March 17 as the Middle East war drives global oil costs higher. Industry estimates show diesel could rise by ₱19.30 to ₱22.30 per liter, while gasoline may increase by ₱14 to ₱17, adding pressure on transport costs and inflation.

Metro Manila customers will see higher water bills starting April after the regulator approved rate hikes tied to foreign exchange movements. Manila Water rates will rise by ₱0.04 per cubic meter and Maynilad by ₱0.09. The regulator also fined Maynilad ₱42.57 million over last month’s service interruptions.

Philippine Unemployment Hits 43-Month High in January

The Philippines’ unemployment rate rose to 5.8 percent in January from 4.4 percent in December, leaving 2.96 million Filipinos jobless, the highest since June 2022. Underemployment also climbed to 13.2 percent, or 6.35 million workers, reflecting seasonal hiring declines and potential pressure from rising oil prices.

Phoenix Petroleum says it fulfilled its fuel incentive for Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz but stopped after she partnered with another fuel brand. The company said the arrangement required brand alignment. (Read More)

Producer El Capitxn criticized ENHYPEN fans online after they blamed him for Heeseung’s sudden departure from the group. The producer denied involvement and told fans to stop sending him messages about the issue. (Read More)

Gilas Pilipinas Women suffered a 113-80 loss to Germany in the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament in France, dropping to 0-2. Sumayah Sugapong scored 21 points as the Philippines prepares to face Nigeria next. (Read more)

The House of Representatives approved the Digital Payments Bill on second reading, seeking to create a nationwide system for government and private transactions. Lawmakers say it will expand digital payments, but some raised concerns about data access and transaction fees. (Read More)

The Philippines and Canada called for stronger cooperation in emerging technologies as they continue negotiations for a free trade agreement. Officials said deeper tech partnerships could boost innovation, investment, and economic security between the two countries. (Read More)

Researchers found AI-powered toys for young children may misread emotions and respond inappropriately during conversations. A study with toddlers showed confusing replies, prompting experts to call for stronger regulation and psychological safety standards. (Read more)

Tinder is testing an artificial intelligence feature called “Chemistry” to improve matchmaking on the dating app. The tool analyzes user profiles and preferences to suggest more relevant matches and enhance safety features. (Read more)

New research finds severe COVID-19 or flu can leave long lasting lung inflammation that may speed lung cancer development years later while vaccination appears to prevent the immune changes linked.

Mercury Drug, AstraZeneca Philippines, and Diabetes Philippines are offering free kidney screening at four branches to help detect chronic kidney disease early among Filipinos.

Ancient Filipino Skeleton Shows Rare Hip Condition and Scurvy

Researchers studying a 2,000 year old skeleton in Cagayan found a rare fused hip and signs of scurvy, suggesting nutritional deficiency and long term community care.

NASA Clears Artemis II Moon Mission for April Launch

NASA approved the Artemis II lunar flyby mission after a unanimous safety review, clearing four astronauts for a planned April 1 launch aboard the Space Launch System rocket.

Twenty-four distressed Filipino workers from Jeddah were repatriated via a Singapore government-chartered flight, transiting in Singapore before continuing home to Manila. (Read more)

Ombudsman and NBI asked 18 alleged ex-Marines to submit separate affidavits detailing claims they delivered ₱805 billion kickbacks to officials. (Read more)

Motorcycle taxi riders will qualify for the government’s ₱5,000 crisis aid, with around 60,000 drivers expected to benefit nationwide. (Read more)

Fifty-three human trafficking victims, lured to Cambodia for scams, were repatriated to the Philippines with medical and reintegration support. (Read more)

Senator Gatchalian urged the ERC to stagger electricity rate hikes to protect consumers from sudden cost increases amid Middle East tensions. (Read more)

A woman in northern Afghanistan was denied a divorce after reporting repeated abuse by her husband. Under new Taliban laws, judges allow men to beat wives with “non-obscene force,” leaving women with little legal protection.

A Georgia high school teacher died after he was accidentally run over when students fled a toilet paper prank outside his home. Police charged the student driver with vehicular homicide.

Residents in Gaza struggle with food, water, and shelter five months into a ceasefire, as attention shifts to conflict involving Iran. Many families live in graveyards after losing homes and livelihoods, delaying reconstruction plans.

📝 Hundreds of pink jellyfish wash ashore in Taytay, Palawan during summer phenomenon. (Read more)

📝 Olivia Rodrigo released charity cover “The Book of Love” to support children in war zones. (Read more)

📝 Two-legged piglet born with rare condition sparks curiosity. (Watch)

📝 Gazini Ganados named fourth Philippine representative in MGI All Stars. (Read more)

📝 Horseback riders take surprising detour at Bukidnon drive-thru. (Watch)