Hello PW Readers!

Good morning. It’s Saturday, so let’s slow things down and make sense of the numbers. The government kicked off 2026 with a rare surplus while tax collections are beating expectations. Sounds like good news, but not so fast. Oil prices, a weaker peso, and global tensions are starting to creep in. Here’s what matters.

Stay Sharp.

Big picture: The Philippines opened 2026 with a rare fiscal win. The government posted a ₱165.4B budget surplus in January, a sharp reversal from December’s deficit, while the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) collected ₱530B in the first two months, beating its target.

What’s driving it:

Context check: Analysts say the surplus is more timing than transformation. Spending typically ramps up later in the year, which could erase early gains.

So what: The government is off to a solid start, but risks are building. Rising oil prices and higher debt payments could widen deficits again. For now, the numbers look good on paper, but sustaining them will be the real test.

The Philippine peso fell to a record ₱60.10 per dollar as Middle East tensions drive oil prices higher. Government plans to boost reserves with 2 million barrels while monitoring supply daily. A weaker peso may raise fuel and electricity costs, increasing pressure on households and key industries.

Nestlé Philippines said it will keep prices steady for now despite Middle East tensions raising costs. The firm has 30 days of stock buffer and uses renewable energy to offset expenses. Price hikes remain a last resort, helping limit immediate impact on Filipino household spending.

Shang Properties triggered a market scare after a decimal error cut its dividend by over 90% mid-trading. The stock dropped 14% before recovering slightly the next day. The corrected payout was 10x higher, but still below last year, leaving investors shaken and questioning disclosure controls.

Deepfakes Push Consumers to Switch Banks

A new study found 74 percent of consumers would switch banks for protection against deepfake fraud, while 48 percent now doubt most online content. Over half want banks liable for losses. Rising distrust is pressuring financial institutions to strengthen identity security or risk losing customers and credibility.

“Spider-Man: Brand New Day” pulled in 718.6 million views in 24 hours, beating “Deadpool and Wolverine” and “Grand Theft Auto V” after teasers were revealed early through Tom Holland’s global fan campaign. (Read More)

Filipinas secured back-to-back FIFA Women’s World Cup spots after defeating Uzbekistan 2-0 in Australia, with goals from Angie Beard and Jackie Sawicki, powered by Jael-Marie Guy’s two assists crucial play. (Read More)

Miss Universe Philippines 2026 delegates collected trash along Boracay’s shores during a cleanup drive, continuing annual outreach efforts as they prepare for the swimsuit show at Aqua Boracay this weekend. (Read more)

A Filipino solo developer revealed “Lost & Found,” a 2.5D game set in a rural town inspired by Laguna, where players return lost items, uncover stories, and explore nostalgic Filipino life. (Read More)

Philippine authorities warned Roblox of a possible ban over child exploitation risks, giving it until month-end to respond or face restrictions, including removal from app stores and access limits nationwide. (Read More)

Haidilao staff restrained a humanoid robot after it began flailing and knocking over plates during a performance at a California branch, prompting brief chaos before the situation was brought under control. (Read more)

Amazon is reportedly developing a new smartphone years after its Fire Phone flop, with plans to integrate Alexa and advanced features as it reenters the competitive global mobile market. (Read more)

Philippine experts said workers are not required to disclose HIV status, with confidentiality protected by law, as violations can lead to jail time, amid rising cases and continued anti-discrimination efforts.

Researchers found that listening to specially designed music for 24 minutes significantly reduced anxiety, easing mental and physical symptoms, suggesting an effective short-duration treatment for faster stress relief.

‘Cotton Candy’ Planet Baffles Scientists as Thick Haze Blocks View

Scientists found Kepler-51d has an extremely thick haze that blocks telescope readings, hiding its composition and challenging planet formation theories, as researchers struggle to explain its low density and unusual orbit.

Ancient Upright Skeleton Found in France Raises Burial Mystery

Archaeologists in Dijon, France discovered an ancient Gaul skeleton buried sitting upright, adding to multiple similar finds that date back to around 300–200 BC and leaving experts uncertain about the burial’s purpose.

PNP boosts patrols, checkpoints, and data-driven deployments to prevent crime surge as rising prices raise theft risks, while incidents decline. (Read more)

Marcos says food supply is sufficient, manufacturers to hold prices up to 30 days, with inventories and monitoring in place. (Read more)

DOST to open Palawan’s first oil and gas R&D lab on March 25, developing local, sustainable drilling fluids amid global tensions. (Read more)

Construction of Batangas’ P47.8B South Luzon Container Terminal is underway, expanding Calabarzon’s export capacity with advanced equipment and 2028 completion. (Read more)

House justice panel invites VP Sara Duterte to attend March 25 impeachment hearing over alleged misuse of funds and abuse claims. (Read more)

Iran national football team will boycott its World Cup 2026 matches in the United States due to security concerns, but officials confirmed the team will still participate in the tournament, with talks ongoing to relocate games to Mexico.

Pakistan and Afghanistan announced a temporary pause in fighting after deadly cross-border strikes, with the truce set ahead of Eid al-Fitr and supported by mediation efforts from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Qatar.

United Kingdom will reduce bilateral aid by about 56% by 2028–29, cutting funding for African countries by nearly £900 million as part of wider budget changes that redirect spending toward defence and conflict-related assistance.

📝Nursing Student Saves Injured Motorist in Taguig With Immediate First Aid. (Watch)

📝 Stray cat becomes beloved “clinic secretary” at West Rembo doctor’s office. (Watch)

📝 UP stays top in 2026 EduRank PH university rankings, ahead of DLSU and Ateneo. (Read more)

📝 Talisay City drivers receive free fuel from a local coffee business. (Read more)

📝 Chinese firm expands viral Labubu franchise with upcoming movie. (Read More)