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Big picture: The Philippine government is scrambling to contain a potential fuel crisis as Middle East tensions disrupt global oil supply. With only around 45 days of fuel reserves, officials are moving fast to avoid shortages and price spikes.

What’s happening: Authorities released ₱20B from the Malampaya fund to secure fuel imports, while emergency powers may allow fuel tax cuts. A shipment of Russian crude has arrived, and the country is sourcing more from key suppliers. At the same time, 2,500 electric taxis are being rolled out to reduce reliance on oil.

Why it matters: This is crisis management in real time. Short-term fixes aim to stabilize prices, but the pivot to EVs signals a longer-term shift away from volatile fuel dependence.

DEPDev warned inflation could surge to 14.3% if global oil hits extreme levels, with fuel prices sharply rising. Even moderate scenarios breach targets. Higher prices and weaker remittances may cut growth by up to 1.95 points, squeezing household spending and raising risks to the Philippines’ economic outlook.

ANZ Research cut the Philippines’ 2026 growth forecast to 4.7% as falling infrastructure spending drags the economy. Government expenditures and project investments sharply declined, weakening confidence. Rising oil prices and peso weakness add inflation risks, leaving the central bank balancing slower growth and potential rate hikes.

Oil prices fell about 5% to below $100 per barrel after US President Donald Trump said talks to end the Iran conflict were underway, though Tehran denied it. Markets rose across Asia, but prices remain high, keeping pressure on inflation and global supply risks.

Robinsons to Close No Brand Stores by June

Robinsons Retail will shut down all 11 No Brand stores in the Philippines by end-June 2026, ending its partnership with South Korea’s Emart. The move reflects shifting consumer demand and strategy changes. No Brand accounts for just 0.2% of sales, with minimal impact on overall operations.

Fans celebrate 20 years since Hannah Montana debuted, as Miley Cyrus reunites cast and revisits the show that launched her global career and defined a generation. (Read More)

Social media creator Kween Yasmin confirms she is two weeks pregnant with partner Elmer Villacura, ending months of speculation after previously denying rumors earlier this year. (Read More)

Filipina tennis star Alex Eala lost 6-0, 6-2 to Karolina Muchova in the Round of 16, after earlier wins over Siegemund and Linette, ending her 2026 Miami Open campaign. (Read more)

PAGASA launched a user-friendly iHeatMap platform in the Philippines to map and predict heat indices, offering real-time monitoring, hourly forecasts, and color-coded alerts to help the public avoid heat risks. (Read More)

Brinc launched its Guardian drone in the US, claiming it can replace police helicopters, with 60 mph speed, 62-minute flight, thermal cameras, Starlink connectivity, and automated emergency supply delivery. (Read More)

OpenAI announced it will shut down its Sora video app globally, without giving a reason, and will release details on timelines, API access, and how users can save content. (Read more)

A study found many radiologists struggled to detect AI-generated X-rays, with accuracy at 75 percent, while AI models also misidentified images, raising concerns about risks in medical research, diagnosis, and legal cases. (Read more)

The Vatican stated that Catholics may undergo organ transplants using animal tissues, reaffirming its earlier position that such procedures are acceptable when carried out with proper medical standards and without cruelty to animals.

A pilot project in Japan is recycling used diapers into new products by processing and sterilizing materials, aiming to reduce landfill waste and support growing demand from an aging population.

Quebec Court Halts Sperm Donations Over Hundreds of Offspring

A Quebec court has temporarily banned a man and his son from donating sperm in Canada after being accused of fathering over 600 children combined, far exceeding expert limits and raising legal and ethical concerns.

Plastic Waste Turned Into Parkinson’s Drug Using Engineered Bacteria

Scientists at the University of Edinburgh converted PET plastic waste into L-DOPA using genetically modified bacteria, demonstrating a lab-scale process that could support drug production and reduce plastic pollution.

BOC delivered 25,818 abandoned balikbayan boxes from Manila and Davao ports to OFW families, with remaining boxes prioritized for Manila and Cebu. (Read more)

Father confirms passing of 15-year-old Isabelle Sophia, missing since March 18, after remains were found in Pasig City, investigation ongoing. (Read more)

President Marcos signs law allowing temporary suspension or reduction of fuel excise taxes if oil prices exceed $80 per barrel, with reporting and limits until 2028. (Read more)

DepEd’s new three-term school calendar for SY 2026–2027 gains support from teachers and parents to improve learning flow and reduce teacher workload. (Read more)

A seafarer won P45 million in Grand Lotto 6/55, allowing him to stay with family, pay debts, and start a business. (Read more)

Viral clips from Brixton in London showing squirrels appearing to use e-cigarettes have raised concerns among animal welfare experts, who warn that discarded vape materials and chemicals can harm wildlife and highlight improper waste disposal issues.

A Maryland cornhole player and quadruple amputee was arrested and charged with murder after police said he allegedly shot a passenger during a car altercation and later fled the scene.

Police in Rio de Janeiro arrested eight individuals after CCTV footage showed a group attacking a capybara with sticks and iron bars, leaving the animal injured and under veterinary care.

📝 PA former struggling student becomes a chef in Europe. (Read more)

📝 Circus performer drags 1,000-kilogram cart with his nipples. (Watch Here)

📝 ‘Harry Potter’ series shares first look before teaser trailer release. (Watch here)

📝 Passengers Forced to Walk on Commonwealth Avenue as Jeepneys and Buses Stop Running. (Watch here)