Hello PW Readers!

Fuel prices may be heading into another volatile stretch. The Philippines is now looking for new oil suppliers as tensions in the Middle East shake global markets. Meanwhile, stocks are inching higher, a new richest Filipino has emerged, and trade officials are pushing for fresh global deals.

Stay Sharp.

Big picture: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the Philippines is exploring new oil suppliers as conflict in the Middle East pushes global fuel prices higher. The country imports about 95% of its crude oil from the region, making it vulnerable to supply disruptions and sudden price spikes.

Context check: Officials say the Philippines still has enough petroleum reserves for about 50 to 60 days, with additional shipments already in transit. Still, volatility in the region means supply risks remain unpredictable.

What’s being discussed: The government is negotiating with countries it normally does not source oil from to diversify supply. Marcos also said he may certify as urgent a bill allowing the president to temporarily suspend or reduce fuel excise taxes if global oil prices remain high.

Why it matters: Analysts warn the crisis could push pump prices up by as much as ₱17 to ₱24 per liter, with ripple effects on transport, food prices, and overall inflation.

Philippine stocks rose Wednesday as investors bet global policymakers may release emergency oil reserves to stabilize disrupted supply. The PSEi gained 0.52 percent to 6,158.33 with ₱6.64 billion in trades. Mining and oil shares jumped while foreigners posted ₱219.41 million in net outflows amid cautious sentiment.

Ports and casino tycoon Enrique Razon Jr. became the richest Filipino on the Forbes 2026 World’s Billionaires List with a $16.5 billion net worth, up over 50 percent. His ICTSI port empire and Bloomberry casinos drove gains. The Philippines had 15 billionaires, reflecting growing wealth in infrastructure, property, and consumer sectors.

San Miguel Foods and GSIS launched a nationwide program giving government employees and pensioners access to small business opportunities tied to San Miguel brands. Participants can start as community resellers with about ₱2,000 capital and no franchise fees, offering food products, carts, and agriculture ventures to create additional income sources.

Philippines Pushes New Trade Deals With EU, Canada, Chile

The Philippines aims to conclude free trade agreements with the European Union, Canada, and Chile this year as part of its goal of about 20 FTAs by 2028. Trade officials say the deals will expand export access, strengthen global competitiveness, and give Filipino businesses wider entry into international markets.

Miss Universe Philippines drew criticism after using AI to animate delegates’ swimsuit photos online, with some fans questioning the move while others focused on supporting their favorite candidates. (Read More)

Police arrested a 35-year-old woman after gunfire struck Rihanna’s Beverly Hills mansion while she was inside. No one was injured, and authorities are investigating the motive behind the shooting. (Read more)

Filipina tennis player Alex Eala lost 2-6, 0-6 to Czech 14th seed Linda Noskova in the BNP Paribas Open round of 16, ending her run at Indian Wells. (Read More)

CIBAC Rep. Eddie Villanueva filed a bill banning social media for users under 16, requiring platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube to enforce age limits to protect minors from risks. (Read More)

Smart Communications won Ookla’s Best Mobile Video Experience award after data showed strong video streaming performance. Ookla also cited Smart for Best Mobile Latency in the Philippines during the first half of 2025. (Read More)

Meta plans to acquire Moltbook, a social network where AI agents can post, comment, and upvote. The Moltbook team will join Meta’s Superintelligence Labs to expand its artificial intelligence development. (Read more)

A prototype solar-powered drone fitted with 27 ultra-thin photovoltaic panels has completed its first flight, generating 150 watts of power and operating without batteries, showing new possibilities for sustainable unmanned aviation. (Read more)

UP entomologist Cristian Lucanas has discovered 15 cockroach species in the Philippines and studies their role in breaking down waste and supporting ecosystems, highlighting the insects’ importance despite their negative reputation.

A piglet born with two legs in Agoncillo, Batangas gained attention online, while a veterinarian explained the rare birth defect called amelia that affects limb development during embryonic growth.

Spanish Researchers Develop Artificial Cornea Using Fish Scales

Researchers at the University of Granada developed a low-cost artificial cornea from fish scales that showed promising results in laboratory and animal tests as a potential alternative to donor transplants.

Study Finds Possible Pill Treatment for Sleep Apnea

A European clinical trial found the drug sulthiame reduced breathing pauses in people with sleep apnea by up to 47 percent, raising hopes for a pill alternative to CPAP masks.

Senate panel signals support for plan to grant President Marcos authority to suspend or cut fuel excise taxes as oil prices rise. (Read more)

Nine OFWs have been repatriated from Iran amid Middle East conflict, with more than 1,000 planning to return home. (Read more)

Middle East war drives fuel surge, raising Philippine transport, shipping, and air travel costs while pressuring prices across imports and supply chains. (Read more)

PRC reports nearly 8,000 examinees, or 84.13%, passed the March 2026 Medical Technologists exam, with top scorers from San Pedro College-Davao City. (Read more)

Transport groups say government fuel subsidy is insufficient as jeepney, UV Express, and tricycle drivers struggle with soaring oil prices. (Read more)

India’s Supreme Court allowed the withdrawal of life support for 31-year-old Harish Rana, who has been in a vegetative state since 2013, marking the country’s first court-approved passive euthanasia case.

A massive fire engulfed a historic building near Glasgow Central Station in Scotland, causing a partial collapse and forcing train service suspensions as firefighters battled the blaze for hours.

At least six people died and five were injured after a bus caught fire in Kerzers, Switzerland. Police are investigating the incident as possibly deliberate and have opened a criminal probe.

📝 Two Philippine pizzerias rank in Asia Pacific top 10 for 2026 pizza awards. (Read more)

📝 New Philippine eagle chick “Bayani” reaches three months, highlighting successful conservation efforts in Davao. (Watch)

📝 Viral photo fuels buzz about matcha-flavored alcohol. (Read more)

📝 Grand finalist Eula Bautista faints while singing on 'Tanghalan Ng Kampeon.' (Watch)

📝 Lawmakers urge pause on traffic fines amid soaring fuel prices, LTO says no (Read more)