Pump prices to spike as much as P17.50/l Jeepney, TNVS drivers, delivery riders to get cash aid next week
K-pop kings BTS rock Seoul in sold-out show
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IN METRO MANILA
By Rolando Ng, Maricel Cruz and Othel Campos
VOL. XL • NO. 40 • 2 SECTIONS 12 PAGES MARCH 22, 2026
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OMESTIC pump prices are expected to increase even higher than earlier projections next week, with diesel prices likely to reach P132 per liter amid the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. An industry source said diesel prices may go up by P16.50 to P17.50 per liter, while gasoline may increase by P7.50 to P8.50 per liter. Energy Secretary Sharon Garin, however, assured the public that the country has enough supply of oil as she warned hoarders and profiteers not to take advantage of the situation. “What is unpredictable is the hoarding part. We need to curtail hoarding and not cause more panic among our people,” she said. Garin also expressed openness to efforts to scrap the Oil Deregulation Law. “During bad times, the government does not have teeth (to control prices). We can only monitor but cannot prevent price shocks,” she said. Malacañang earlier said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will leave it up to Congress to decide on proposals to repeal or amend the Oil Deregulation Law as calls grow for greater government intervention amid rising fuel prices. Senate President Vicente Sotto III already filed a bill seeking the complete repeal of the Oil Deregulation Law to restore government oversight and ensure uniformity in oil pricing nationwide.
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CULTURAL SPECTACLE.
Vibrancy and tradition take center stage as the Strawberry Festival 2026 hits the streets of La Trinidad, Benguet on Saturday, March 21. Local performers from various barangays and schools showcase their artistry during the Drum & Lyre, Street Dancing, and Float Parade, the festival’s most anticipated highlight. Conrad Rotor and Benguet Tourism Office
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Attacks on Gulf nations continue as Trump mulls ‘winding down’ war, eases sanctions on Iran oil Source: CICC Facebook page
Roblox given one month to address safety concerns or face PH ban—CICC By Ratziel San Juan THE Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) issued a 1-month ultimatum for the popular online gaming platform Roblox to address serious allegations of illegal activities occurring within its app. CICC Undersecretary Renato “Aboy” Paraiso warned that if Roblox fails to coordinate with the Philippine government within the next 30 days, the agency, in partnership with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), will move for a total nationwide block. The CICC explained that its proposed ban would be more extensive than a simple website block. Local internet service providers and telecommunications companies will be instructed to block access to Roblox servers. The platform, which has officially been placed under strict monitoring, is widely used by Filipino children. According to the CICC, Roblox has become a “hunting ground” for threat actors like pedophiles and drug traffickers. It warned that perpetrators are exploiting the platform’s interactive features to deceive underage users, including exposing children to propaganda videos intended to influence or coerce them into illegal acts. The CICC also plans to coordinate
ISRAEL launched fresh strikes on Tehran and Beirut on Saturday after US President Donald Trump said he was considering “winding down” military operations against Iran following three weeks of war, temporarily easing sanctions on Iranian oil shipments to stem a global supply crisis. Tehran, however, has kept up its retaliatory drone and missile attacks on Gulf nations it accuses of serving as launchpads for US strikes, as well as on Israel. Kuwait reported a missile and drone attack early Saturday and Saudi Arabia said it intercepted more than two dozen drones as Iran’s supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei claimed to have dealt a“dizzying blow” to his country’s enemies. Trump, in a post on Truth Social, said the United States was “getting very close to meeting our objectives as we consider winding down our great Military efforts in the Middle East.”
By Rex Espiritu
achieve this mission.” “Tomorrow marks week 3 -- and the US Armed Forces are doing an exceptional job,” Leavitt continued. “Day by day, the Iranian Regime is being crippled, and their ability to threaten the United States and our allies is being significantly weakened.”
The municipality of Kalayaan, Palawan, starting in April, will conduct “patriotic” tours to Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea. “We have rebranded the kind of tourism we will offer,” Kalayaan Vice Mayor Maurice Phillip Alexis Albayda said, adding that the offering aims to revive one’s sense of being Filipino. Among the tour activities is the singing of the “Lupang Hinirang” while facing waters where the country has monitored Chinese forces and vessels. The tour will also include Philippine flag waving, community immersion, fishing activities, and a visit to the Filipino personnel stationed on Pag-asa Island. According to Albayda, the tour will be limited to Filipinos, particularly Palawan residents, for the time being. The vice mayor said that although they initially planned to offer 15 slots, they are considering adding more based on demand.
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Source: US Energy Information Administration His post was the strongest indication yet that he may be prepared to soon end hostilities that began on February 28. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, in a post on X shortly after Trump’s message, said “the President and the Pentagon predicted it would take approximately 4-6 weeks to
‘Patriotic’ tours to Pag-asa Island to start in April
Uphold values of compassion, unity beyond Eid’l Fitr—PBBM, VP Sara By Charles Dantes and Maricel Cruz PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urged Filipinos to carry forward the values of compassion, humility, patience, and charity beyond the holy month of Ramadan as the nation marked Eid’l Fitr on Saturday In his message, the President joined Muslim Filipinos in celebrating what he described as a “solemn and joyous” occasion, recognizing Ramadan as a period of prayer, fasting, reflection, and generosity. “It reminds us that the deepest joys are often those earned through sacrifice, and that discipline in faith strengthens not only the individual, but the entire community,” Mr. Marcos said.
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“The virtues nurtured during this sacred month—compassion, humility, patience, and charity— must not end with the breaking of the fast. These are the virtues that preserve peace in our neighborhoods, sustain trust in our communities, and keep hope alive in difficult times,” he added. Vice President Sara Duterte, for her part, underscored the need for unity and cooperation among leaders, calling on Filipinos to work together in addressing challenges and sustaining public service. “As we celebrate this time of joy and thanksgiving, we also offer a fervent prayer for peace across the world. May the lessons of Ramadan inspire us to work together
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END OF RAMADAN. Filipino Muslims in Manila gather to celebrate Eid’l Fitr, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, at the Quirino grandstand in Manila on Saturday, March 21, 2026. Norman Cruz
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