Good afternoon,

Quick midweek briefing before things move again. Jobs are improving, prices are holding, and markets are adjusting quietly. But beneath the surface, pressure is still building. We break it all down in one read.

Starting this Saturday, we’re launching a new weekly section focused on one key insight at a time powered by research from AB Capital Securities, written the PesoWeekly way.

Stay Sharp.

Big picture: The Philippine government is moving fast to protect its fuel supply as global tensions push oil prices higher. According to Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, current reserves are good for around 50 days, but the goal now is simple: don’t just maintain, build. Talks include “oil diplomacy” efforts like securing safe passage for tankers through key routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.

So what: Rising fuel prices hit everything, not just gas stations. Diesel alone makes up about 70% of transport costs, which means higher prices for food, goods, and daily essentials. To slow that down, officials met with business groups and oil firms to fix bottlenecks across the supply chain.

Context check: These meetings happened just before Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reviewed economic response options with key agencies. Final policies are still pending, but the direction is clear: stabilize supply, reduce costs, and avoid passing more pain to consumers.

Why it matters: The Philippines imports most of its fuel, so global shocks quickly hit local prices. Building a stronger buffer now could mean fewer price spikes later, or at least slower ones.

The Department of Trade and Industry said prices of 205 basic goods will stay unchanged until April 30 after talks with manufacturers. Items include canned food, bread, and water. Officials said supply is enough and warned against profiteering, urging consumers to report violations through DTI hotlines and email channels nationwide

Ph Jobless Rate Falls to 5.1% in February

Unemployment fell to 5.1% in February, with more Filipinos entering the workforce and finding jobs. The improving labor market points to stronger business activity, as firms expand hiring and operations. Employment and underemployment rates both improved, indicating a labor market recovery as nearly 1.5 million more Filipinos secured work compared to the previous month.

The country’s dollar reserves dropped to $107.5 billion in March, down 5.08% from February as gold holdings and foreign investments declined. This marks the lowest level in seven months. Despite the drop, reserves can still cover 7.1 months of imports and external payments, based on central bank data

Pru Life Uk Launches Global Fund for Volatile Markets

Pru Life UK introduced the PRULink Strategic Income Fund, a global multi-asset investment option for Filipino investors. The fund taps managers like Allianz, Amundi, and BlackRock to diversify across markets. Offered in peso and dollar terms, it aims to simplify investing while managing risk amid ongoing market volatility.

Olivia Rodrigo revealed her new single Drop Dead drops April 17, previewing her third album You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl so in Love arriving June 12 this year. (Read more)

Actress Xyriel Manabat vowed legal action against a TNVS driver over lewd online remarks, while Grab Philippines confirmed it is investigating the incident to ensure accountability and safety. (Read More)

Filipino tennis star Alexandra Eala beat Austria’s Julia Grabher 6-4, 6-3 to reach the second round of the WTA 500 Linz Open, her first clay-court tournament this year. (Read more)

The DICT announced it will no longer ban Roblox following discussions with the platform, CICC, and law enforcement. Roblox will implement stricter safeguards and launch a parent-focused information campaign. (Read More)

An AI bot named Gaskell invited guests to a Manchester meetup, creating chaos with fake emails, catering attempts, and Star Trek costume requests. Despite mishaps, roughly 50 attendees showed up for talks and networking. (Read More)

AI-created singers like Cain Walker and Breaking Rust are topping U.S. country charts, replicating traditional sounds with computer-generated faces and melodies. Industry experts warn it may deepen the genre’s formulaic trends. (Read more)

Grab CEO Anthony Tan says AI-powered products, including a “group ride” feature, are helping the company improve affordability and growth amid rising fuel costs and economic uncertainty in Southeast Asia. (Read more)

Researchers at Northwestern University found that carbohydrates in soil act like molecular glue, forming water bridges with clay minerals. This helps soils retain moisture, even in extremely dry conditions, offering insights for agriculture and planetary science.

Shedd Aquarium celebrates the birth of Domino, a tiny warty frogfish raised entirely in captivity. The pea-sized fish is learning to “walk” and hunt, offering insights for future marine conservation efforts.

AI Chatbots Mistook Fake Disease ‘Bixonimania’ for Real

A fictional condition, bixonimania, created by scientists as an experiment, was repeated by AI chatbots as real. The episode highlights risks of AI spreading misinformation from unreliable sources.

Bad Smells Affect People’s Health, Experts Say

Researchers report that persistent foul odours can trigger nausea, headaches, and stress. Exposure influences mental well-being and lifestyle choices, prompting authorities to implement stricter regulations and reduce odour pollution.

⏳The DFA warned passport releases may take 10–15 working days due to supply chain issues and prohibited unauthorized alterations or stamps. (Read more)

😟 The Philippine Army urged the NPA to release distressed Fil-Am Cristina Pasion, citing handwritten notes showing emotional strain and safety concerns. (Read more)

👶 The Philippines’ record-low fertility rate of 1.7 risks aging before wealth, urging investments in education, health, and family-friendly policies. (Read more)

⛽Rising fuel costs linked to Middle East conflict force Filipino farmers to abandon harvests as production, labor, and transport expenses exceed profits. (Read more)

💻 CHED allows colleges and universities to shift temporarily to 100% online classes amid fuel crisis, easing student commuting and logistical challenges. (Read more)

Global leaders, including China, Russia, EU, and UN, praised the US-Iran truce and urged respect for ceasefire terms to protect civilians, restore stability, and enable diplomatic negotiations in the region.

Mayoral candidate Helen Zille swam in a water-filled road trench caused by a burst pipe, highlighting years of Johannesburg’s service failures, with the stunt shared widely on social media.

Human remains, including a skull and jawbone, were found near DeForest Park during a family Easter egg hunt. Authorities are investigating while the Medical Examiner conducts further analysis.

📝Ostrich Escapes Animal Cafe, Dashes Along Highway in Thailand. (Watch here)

📝 Arshie Larga gives P500 fuel aid to over 1,000 tricycle drivers in Marinduque. (Read more)

📝 Rare Nankeen Night Heron Sighting Reported at Santo Tomas Store in Davao del Norte. (Watch here)

📝 Malabon Church Faces Backlash for Releasing Live Dove at ‘Salubong’ Ceremony (Watch here)