Good morning,

Back from the Holy Week break and a lot happened while you were offline. Oil risks are rising, but the government is still aiming high on tax collections. We break down what that means for the economy and for you.

Quick note: we’re hiring a brand partnerships manager. Our growth and partnerships team and even some of our writers are PesoWeekly readers of this newsletter so if you know someone great at working with brands, send them our way at [email protected]

Stay Sharp.

Big picture: The Bureau of Internal Revenue is sticking to its ₱360 billion excise tax target for 2026, even as the government considers suspending fuel taxes to soften rising oil prices. That move, if triggered under emergency powers by Ferdinand Marcos Jr., could wipe out as much as ₱136 billion in revenue.

So what: Despite that risk, the BIR is lowering internal pressure by setting a more realistic working target of ₱3.31 trillion, instead of the official ₱3.46 trillion. Growth is still expected at around 11.2%, driven by stable collections from tobacco, mining, and new taxes like digital services.

Context check: Early numbers show momentum. The BIR collected ₱530 billion in the first two months of 2026, slightly beating targets. That suggests the agency may have enough cushion to absorb potential fuel tax cuts, at least for now.

Filipino operators rolled out hundreds of electric and hybrid taxis on GrabTaxi Electric in Metro Manila, cutting costs by up to 87 percent per kilometer. With over 80 percent of trips coming from the platform, EV fleets gain stable demand, helping operators stay profitable and scale despite rising fuel prices.

Middle East War Tests Corporate Philippines Strategy and Spending

Philippine firms are adjusting strategies as the Middle East war drives higher oil prices and supply risks. Companies like Filinvest, MPIC, and DMCI are tightening costs while sustaining investments. With capital plans intact but timelines flexible, businesses aim to protect margins, maintain growth, and stay resilient amid prolonged global uncertainty.

Philippine shares may trade sideways as investors await March inflation data and monitor Middle East tensions. Analysts expect inflation at 3.8 percent, within BSP targets but higher than February. With oil-driven risks rising and policy flexibility tightening, markets may stay cautious despite recent gains and a break in the losing streak.

GSIS Rolls Out ₱19B Loan Refunds to Boost Member Liquidity

GSIS will release over ₱19 billion in loan refunds to 1.37 million members and pensioners under its Balik Ginhawa program. Covering payments from December to February, refunds return up to three months of amortizations, providing immediate cash support and improving household liquidity without suspending loan collections.

Gilas Pilipinas Women win first-ever FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup medal, finishing second after losing to Australia, 18-9, in the final, improving from last year’s fourth-place finish. (Read more)

Shiloh Jolie Lands Surprise K-Pop Music Video Role

Shiloh Jolie, daughter of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, appears in Dayoung’s new music video after passing an open audition, with agency denying any publicity stunt involvement. (Read More)

Kristel Herrera earns four yeses on Britain’s Got Talent after delivering a powerful Whitney Houston tribute, drawing a standing ovation and viral support from Filipinos worldwide. (Read more)

Halter develops solar-powered cow collars that help farmers track, guide, and monitor cattle, improving grazing, animal health, and overall farm productivity without needing physical fences. (Read More)

Tencent introduces a 24-hour pet streaming channel featuring animal-friendly videos and sounds, designed to keep cats and dogs entertained and relaxed while their owners are away. (Read More)

Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center pushes Roblox to adopt National ID-based verification to better protect minors, warning of a possible ban if safety measures are not improved. (Read more)

Wearable tech like smartwatches and ECG devices helps detect early signs of arrhythmia, allowing users to monitor heart health and seek medical care before serious complications develop. (Read more)

New Frog Species Found Carrying Eggs on Back

Scientists discovered Gastrotheca mittaliiti in Peru, a tiny frog that carries its eggs in a pouch on its back, though it faces risks from climate change and habitat loss.

The crew of Artemis II witnessed the Moon’s far side for the first time, capturing rare views and describing the experience as strikingly different from Earth-facing landscapes.

Thailand Launches Artificial Saliva for Cancer Patients

Chulalongkorn University and partners develop SALYWA, made from Thai herbal extracts, to relieve dry mouth in cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy and elderly individuals.

Gene Therapy Reverses Deafness in Weeks

Karolinska Institutet develops a gene therapy that restores hearing in patients born deaf, using a single injection to deliver a working hearing gene directly into the inner ear.

⛴️ Iran assures safe passage for PH-bound oil, but fuel prices remain high due to global supply disruptions and ongoing Middle East tensions. (Read more)

⚠️ Authorities flagged a tanker unloading 20,000 liters of diesel in Quezon City, prompting investigation over illegal storage, safety risks, and possible hoarding. (Read more)

📰 PCO warns against spreading fake news on energy emergency, stressing legal penalties and urging public to rely on verified government sources. (Read more)

🚨A 62-year-old was arrested at NAIA for attempting to smuggle 3.2 kilograms of suspected shabu from Malaysia, seized by authorities. (Read more)

🚑 PNP reports 59 drownings, 91 fires, and 455 vehicle incidents during Holy Week, but overall observance remained generally peaceful.. (Read more)

PETA India urges Russian artist Julia Buruleva to remove or donate proceeds from her pink elephant print following the death of Chanchal, calling for support of elephant conservation and sanctuary initiatives in India.

Magawa, famed for detecting over 100 landmines in Cambodia, is commemorated with a statue in Siem Reap, highlighting ongoing mine-clearing efforts and his life-saving achievements.

Mount Everest guides are accused of drugging foreign climbers to stage costly helicopter evacuations, defrauding insurers of nearly $20 million and affecting over 4,700 climbers between 2022 and 2025.

📝AI voiceover in holy week procession sparks online debate. (Watch here)

📝 Magayon and Pinangat festivals canceled as Mayon unrest and rising prices hit Bicol (Read more) or (Watch here) the Strombolian Eruption.

📝 A stroke-stricken mother assisted to pin son’s medal at graduation. (Watch here)

📝 Giant penis parade challenges stigma at Japan's fertility festival. (Read more)