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US-Israel intensify strikes as war enters new phase
Marcos assures support for OFWs in Middle East
TEHRAN—Fresh strikes rocked Iran and Lebanon on Friday, as Israel vowed to escalate to a new phase in the Middle East war that has spiralled rapidly throughout the region and beyond. Next page
By Charles Dantes, Ram Superable and Vito Barcelo
VOL. XL • NO. 25 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P20 • SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 2026 •
Brace for historic high oil price hikes next week PBBM: 4-day workweek for select gov’t offices starts Monday
PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday assured Filipinos the government is taking steps to protect citizens and assist overseas workers as rising oil prices and travel disruptions linked to the escalating Middle East conflict begin to affect the Philippines. Mr. Marcos said authorities are closely monitoring the situation of Filipinos in the region and have begun facilitating the repatriation of those who wish to return home. Government agencies — including the Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) — are coordinating with Filipino communities across the Middle East to ensure their Next page safety.
By Alena Mae S. Flores, Charles Dantes, Ram Superable, Vito Barcelo and Maricel Cruz ONSUMERS face historic high increases in pump prices next week—with diesel estimated at P17.28/liter, gasoline at P7.48/l and kerosene at P32.35/l due to the volatility of world oil prices driven by the Middle East crisis, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said in a video message yesterday.
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T h e President Fuel subsidies, tax then orrelief eyed to ease dered the price hike impact temporary implementation of a four-day workweek in select executive branch offices starting Monday, March 9, as the government moves to cushion the impact of rising oil prices. I n a video message, Mr. Marcos said the measure is intended to help reduce
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CONSEQUENCES. Smoke rises from the site of an Israeli airstrike yesterday that targeted an area in
Beirut’s southern suburbs. Fresh strikes rocked Iran and Lebanon on March 6, as Israel vowed to escalate to a new phase in the Middle East war that has spiralled rapidly throughout the region and beyond. Table at top right shows the projected increase in fuel prices next week. Infographic at bottom right shows oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz by origin and destination countries for the first quarter of 2025, according to data from the US Energy Information. AFP
PBBM off to NY, to take up ME dev’ts at UN General Assembly By Charles Dantes
CONNECTING JOBSEEKERS WITH EMPLOYERS. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
speaks at the launch yesterday of Trabaho at Negosyo with members of Asean Business Advisory Council headed by Mr. Joey Concepcion and Michael Tan at the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) in Pasay City. The event brings together key public-private stakeholders to expand job opportunities for communities, support upskilling and reskilling for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and create a dynamic platform where job seekers can connect directly with businesses. Revoli Cortez
discussions. “I cannot preempt what the PresiTHE Philippines is expected to disdent will say but definitely pag-uusacuss developments in the Middle East pan ang international developments, during President Ferdinand Marcos regional developments at iyong mga Jr.’s address next week at the United bagay na makakaapekto sa ating mga Nations Genmamamayan,” eral Assembly in Escalona said in New York City a briefing. as tensions in Mr. Marcos the region conis scheduled tinue to concern to attend the NEWS / A2 the international UNGA meetcommunity. ing on March Department 9 and 10, with of Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary global attention focused on worsening Angelica Escalona said Friday that while tensions in the Middle East and their she could not preempt the President’s broader geopolitical implications. remarks, global and regional developEscalona also said the President ments—particularly those affecting will not meet with American President Filipinos—would likely be part of the Next page
German president reskeds PH, Indonesia visit
House impeach hearings likened to a ‘mini-trial’ By Maricel V. Cruz PROCEEDINGS at the House Committee on Justice on the impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara
Duterte may resemble a “mini-trial,” with witnesses, affidavits and documentary evidence presented before lawmakers decide whether probable cause exists to elevate the case to the Senate.
Chinese embassy rejects spying, Ano stands firm on allegations By Katrina Manubay and Rex Espiritu THE Embassy of China in the Philippines on Thursday night rejected allegations of espionage raised by the National Security Council, describing claims of supposed Chinese spy activi-
ties in the country as “irresponsible” and “malicious smears.” In a statement, embassy spokesperson Ji Lingpeng said the accusations were another attempt to exaggerate what he called the “China threat” narrative. “China follows the principle of noninterference in other countries’ internal Next page
Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro, committee chair, said the hearings aimed to thoroughly examine the evidence before determining whether the Next page
‘Baligod 18’ goes underground; NBI issues subpoenas By Rolando Ng III and Pot Chavez A GROUP of 18 retired Marines consisting the so-called “Baligod 18” has reportedly gone into hiding following Next page claims of death threats.
WOMEN’S SUMMIT. Women pioneers, artists, and entrepreneurs came
together at your most loved mall, SM for SM Supermalls’ 6th International Women’s Summit: The Future is Hers. Create. Lead. Thrive. From L to R: United Nations Women Country Programme Coordinator Lenlen Mesina, host Joyce Pring-Triviño, MindNation co-founder Cat Triviño, actress and mental health advocate Gabbi Garcia, SM Prime Holdings Vice President and Head of Design, Innovation, and Strategy Jica Sy, SM Supermalls Assistant Vice President for Marketing and Leasing Hanna Carinna Sy, and program host Janina Vela.