Good morning,

Quick Holy Week briefing before you unplug. Oil supply risks, rising prices, and a peso comeback all in one read. We’ll skip Saturday and be back next week. For now, stay safe, stay informed, and make the most of the break.

Stay Sharp.

Big picture: The Philippines is moving fast to protect its oil supply as tensions rise in the Strait of Hormuz. Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro asked Iran to classify the country as “non-hostile,” aiming to secure safe passage for fuel shipments and Filipino seafarers. This comes as supply is projected to last only until June.

What’s happening:

Market pulse: The peso bounced back to 60.16 per dollar after hitting a record low, helped by hopes of easing conflict.

Why it matters: Oil risk is now hitting both supply and prices, with real impact on transport, inflation, and daily costs.

The Philippine government debt reached a record ₱18.16 trillion in February, according to the Bureau of the Treasury, but officials said the position remains manageable. Debt rose slightly by 0.14 percent, driven by domestic borrowing, while a stronger peso reduced external obligations and supported overall debt stability amid global volatility.

PH Stocks Rise on Middle East Easing Hopes

Philippine stocks climbed 0.84 percent to 5,998.68 as investors tracked a global rally on hopes of easing Middle East tensions. Lower oil prices boosted sentiment, though risks remain. Trading hit ₱7.45 billion, while foreign investors stayed cautious with ₱1.2 billion in net outflows.

The Department of Agriculture is deploying fuel subsidies, toll rebates, and logistics support to help farmers manage rising transport costs from oil price hikes. With ₱1 billion in funds requested, the government aims to stabilize food prices and ensure steady supply despite higher fuel-driven expenses.

Inflation Seen Climbing to 3.9% on Fuel, Power Costs

Philippine inflation likely rose to as high as 3.9 percent in March, driven by higher fuel and electricity costs and a weaker peso, the BSP said. While still within target, risks are rising, with inflation possibly hitting 5 percent in April, complicating policy decisions and economic recovery.

BINI attended the LA Clippers Filipino Heritage Night in Inglewood, appearing on the Jumbotron as “Honey Honey” played, ahead of Coachella shows, GRAMMY Museum performance, and April 9 EP release. (Read more)

Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez said her upcoming 40th-anniversary show in October will be her final large-scale solo concert, though she plans smaller projects and will not fully retire. (Read More)

Dennis Trillo’s film Green Bones was shortlisted at the 2026 New York Festivals TV and Film Awards, competing with global entries after winning major awards at the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival. (Read more)

The DOST launched the Handa website in Quezon City, offering alerts, incident reporting, AI assistance, impact monitoring, and agency dashboards, helping communities and officials respond faster to disasters nationwide. (Read More)

Scientists reported that DNA robots can be programmed to move inside the human body and perform tasks like delivering drugs and targeting viruses, guided by chemical signals or external triggers. (Read More)

Researchers found ChatGPT-5.2 created a proof for a 2024 conjecture through multiple sessions, while humans verified accuracy, showing AI can help solve complex math problems but still needs oversight. (Read more)

Penguin Random House filed a lawsuit against OpenAI in Munich, alleging ChatGPT reproduced content from a German children’s book series, highlighting potential copyright violations and AI use. (Read more)

A study by William & Mary researchers found Mimosa pudica, the touch-me-not plant, appears to track repeated light-dark cycles, suggesting plants can enumerate events and adapt behavior without a brain.

Researchers found Arota festae, a tropical katydid in Panama, shifts from bright pink to green over about 11 days, likely to match young leaves and avoid predators in rainforest environments.

Heavy AI Use Linked to Mental Exhaustion, Study Finds

A BCG study found heavy AI users report “brain fry,” feeling overwhelmed managing tools and reviewing outputs, especially in coding, though overall burnout declines when AI handles repetitive tasks, highlighting need for limits.

Study Says Vaping Likely Increases Risk of Lung and Oral Cancer

A review of over 100 studies shows e-cigarettes can damage DNA and cells, suggesting nicotine vaping may cause lung and oral cancers, though long-term human data are still limited.

✝️ The Department of Transportation launched free rides from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. to aid commuters during the Holy Week rush. (Read more)

🤝 The Philippines is requesting Iran to designate it as “non-hostile” to ensure safe passage for its vessels and oil shipments. (Read more)

🚌 Climate Conflict Action warns rising violence in Maguindanao del Sur, including ambushes and killings, threatens peace process and security efforts. (Read more)

👮‍♂️President Marcos ordered police protection for a Camarines Sur student and her sisters after her viral letter detailing local abuse. (Read more)

🏍️ Sandiganbayan denied bail for nine former DPWH officials facing malversation charges over a P289-million flood control project in Oriental Mindoro. (Read more)

Iran is using children in security roles during the war, witnesses and reports say. An 11-year-old boy was killed at a checkpoint, raising concerns over recruitment practices and rights violations.

An Ohio man won $158,585 after a clerk mistakenly gave him a $10 lottery ticket instead of smaller ones. The error secured a full jackpot payout, boosting his winnings significantly.

Authorities in India launched an investigation after a 65-year-old elephant was painted pink for a photoshoot in Jaipur. The images sparked online outrage, and concerns over animal welfare.

📝Viral video shows passenger preaching on flight, unsettling some Pinoys online. (Watch here)

📝 Shuvee Etrata criticized for allowing dog to urinate in condo parking lot despite rules. (Read more)

📝 70-Year-Old Tatay Segundo Graduates Senior High, Inspires Netizens With Lifelong Learning Achievement. (Read more)

📝 Grab Driver Turns Tinapa Seller to Boost Income Amid Rising Gas and Deduction Struggles. (Read more)