Hello PW Readers!

Good morning we’re working on something new behind the scenes.

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be introducing a dedicated investing section to help break down market trends and make sense of what’s happening in finance, in a way that’s actually easy to follow .

We’re also starting to collaborate with credible voices in the capital markets space, so expect sharper insights and more value in every issue ahead.

Stay Sharp.

Big picture: Around 22.6 million liters of government-procured diesel have arrived in the Philippines, part of the Emergency Energy Security Program launched after the recent energy emergency. The shipment, sourced from Japan via Singapore, will be stored at Seaoil’s Batangas facility under the oversight of Philippine National Oil Company.

Context check: Sounds big, but it’s not. The Philippines burns roughly 200,000 barrels of diesel daily, meaning this delivery covers less than one day of demand. Officials have not disclosed how the fuel will be distributed, and it will likely be sold at market prices, not subsidized.

So what:

Why it matters: This is a stopgap, not a solution. The real issue is long-term supply security.

Tech moves fast, but you're still playing catch-up?

That's exactly why 200K+ engineers working at Google, Meta, and Apple read The Code twice a week.

Here's what you get:

All delivered twice a week in just 2 short emails.

Join 200K+ engineers

Prime Energy targets gas production by fourth quarter after successful Camago-3 drilling offshore Palawan, yielding up to 60 million cubic feet daily. The $893-million Phase 4 project could extend Malampaya’s life by six years, helping secure Luzon’s power supply and reduce reliance on imported fuel.

The PSEi fell 0.19% to 5,972.83 after BSP raised its 2026 inflation forecast to 5.1%. Ongoing global tensions and peso weakness kept investors cautious, marking a fourth straight weekly decline. Muted trading and foreign outflows signal limited upside as markets await clearer economic and policy direction.

San Miguel chief Ramon Ang revived his offer to sell Petron to the government amid an energy crunch and supply disruptions. The proposed tranche-based deal could ease fiscal pressure. With its Bataan refinery supplying a third of fuel needs, the move aims to strengthen national energy security.

Malls Cut Hours as Energy Emergency Bites

Major mall operators including SM, Robinsons, Ayala, and Vista will shorten weekday hours to 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. starting March 30 following the government’s energy emergency declaration. The move supports conservation efforts as global supply disruptions threaten fuel stability and raise concerns over power availability nationwide.

H.E.R. and Liza Soberano turned emotional as DreamWorks released the trailer for Forgotten Island, an animated film rooted in Philippine mythology, set for global theatrical release on Sept. 25. (Read More)

French composer Sylavain Hernandez, known as DJ Mogo, said viral hit “Hawak Mo ang Beat” was not AI-made, explaining it was crafted using software and inspired by Filipino rhythms. (Read More)

The IOC announced only biological females can compete in women’s events starting the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, introducing one-time gene testing to standardize eligibility rules across all sports. (Read more)

The Philippines opened Poro Point Station in La Union to host multiple submarine cables after BCDA and InfiniVAN signed a lease, aiming to boost connectivity, cut internet costs, and strengthen digital growth nationwide. (Read More)

Researchers at UC Santa Barbara created a molecule that captures sunlight, stores it in chemical form, and releases it as heat, offering a reusable, high density alternative to traditional solar energy storage systems. (Read More)

Researchers developed a clear nail polish that allows long nails to work on touchscreens by using compounds like taurine and ethanolamine to conduct enough electrical charge for devices to detect touch. (Read more)

Netflix raised prices for all subscription plans globally, increasing monthly fees by at least $1, with higher extra member charges, as the company boosts content spending and targets revenue growth. (Read more)

Researchers found that flower nectar contains small amounts of alcohol, meaning bees and hummingbirds consume it regularly, yet show no intoxication, suggesting they evolved a high tolerance while pollinating plants daily.

Researchers at Caltech developed a solar-powered smart mask that monitors breath biomarkers for days, detecting respiratory and metabolic signals, offering a low-cost, noninvasive tool for continuous health tracking and potential disease screening.

Oldest Dog DNA Shows 16,000 Years of Human Bond

Scientists found the oldest dog DNA from 15,800 years ago in Turkey, suggesting earlier domestication, with evidence showing dogs spread across Europe and played roles in hunting, protection, and early human companionship.

Lab Gloves May Be Skewing Microplastics Results

Scientists found common lab gloves can release particles mistaken for microplastics, possibly inflating pollution data, highlighting the need for cleaner testing methods to ensure more accurate environmental measurements.

⛽️Fuel prices may ease next week as global oil benchmarks soften, with gasoline stabilizing but diesel still facing double-digit hikes. (Read more)

💰DTI says no price freeze is in effect despite energy emergency, with industry pledging stable prices and inventories remaining sufficient. (Read more)

🏭Seven national manufacturers plan small price hikes by April 1 for select non-essential products, driven by rising fuel and distribution costs. (Read more)

👮‍♂️PNP orders crackdown on LPG hoarders and profiteers as supplies tighten, aiming to protect consumers amid rising energy prices. (Read more)

👤One person is missing and five injured after an SUV was swept by Agno River currents in Itogon, Benguet. (Read more)

Sarah Mullally made history as the first woman enthroned as Archbishop of Canterbury, leading the Church of England and the worldwide Anglican community, after a career in nursing and service as Bishop of London.

At least 24 people, including five children, died after a passenger bus carrying 40 toppled into the Padma River in Rajbari district while trying to board a ferry, authorities said.

A 15-month-old boy likely ingested meth through breast milk, police said. Parents Michael Blaesser and Ashley Makarsky face $1M bail each for his February 2025 death.

📝 Kween Yasmin confirms she is no longer pregnant, sparking concern among fans. (Read more)

📝 72-year-old jeepney driver goes viral after missing aid list. (Watch Here)

📝 Deer surrenders to Japanese police, goes viral online. (Watch here)

📝 Passenger leaves P200 extra fare to help jeepney driver amid rising diesel prices. (Read more)

📝 Viral “Dogs Escape Meat Factory” Story from China Is Totally Fake, Shows Online Misinformation Risks. (Watch here)