Davao del Norte governor: No direct Petronas deal for 44 M liters of fuel

 

By Philippine News Agency

Published Mar 31, 2026 05:51 pm

DAVAO CITY – Davao del Norte Gov. Edwin Jubahib clarified on Tuesday that he has had no direct communication with Petronas Malaysia regarding the supposed purchase of 44 million liters of crude oil and gasoline he earlier announced.

On March 25, Jubahib disclosed plans to source fuel from Malaysia to help cushion rising oil prices in the province amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. However, Petronas issued a statement on March 29 denying involvement in any such transaction.

"Petronas wishes to clarify that it is not aware of, nor involved in, any such arrangement, and has not entered into any related agreement or commitment," the company said, stressing that its current priority is ensuring a steady and reliable fuel supply in Malaysia.

Jubahib explained that his pronouncement was exploratory in nature.

"My statement to the media was clear – that our economic cooperation with the Malaysian Highness is purely negotiation. It is exploratory, meaning our initiative to seek help with them may or may not prosper," he said.

He added that the continuing conflict in the Middle East has prompted governments worldwide to respond to the global fuel crisis.

"As governor of the province, I felt the urgency that something has to be done within my capacity to help remedy the situation and prevent an impending economic catastrophe," Jubahib said.

According to him, the initiative stemmed from established ties with Malaysian officials and was aimed at exploring the possibility of sourcing at least 44 million liters of diesel fuel to augment the province's dwindling supply.

"The engagement is not intended to undermine any legal process or regulations set forth by both our national governments. Any development from this international partnership, should it prosper, will be properly coordinated with the Department of Energy as the appropriate governing agency, following procurement procedures – whether through a government-to-government arrangement or via the private sector," he added. (PNA)

'Rosario' cast confess they never grew up with local superstitions

By Robert Requintina

Published Mar 31, 2026 11:53 pm | Updated Apr 1, 2026 09:25 am

Gen Z stars Aubrey Caraan, Lance Carr, Yumi Garcia, Rose Van Ginkel, and Jairus Aquino admitted they know little about the superstitions tied to wakes and funerals.

The cast of 'Rosario.' From left: Suzette Ranillo, Rose Van Ginkel, Bernadette Allyson, Aubrey Caraan, writer-director Roni S. Benaid, Yumi Garcia, Jairus Aquino, Meg Imperial, and Lance Carr.

In one of the popular Filipino traditions, a rosary is placed inside the coffin to guide the soul toward heaven — but it must be cut before burial. Leave it whole, and legend holds that death will follow death.

The young cast opened up about their relationship with funeral superstitions at the media conference for Viva Films’ upcoming horror film "Rosario," held at Viva Cafe in Araneta City.  

Lance: "I had no idea about the pamahiin sa rosaryo until this film came along. I'm not really one to follow superstitions — but if something were to happen to someone in the family, knock on wood, I'd probably just go along with it. Wala namang mawawala. Nothing is lost."

Jairus: "Hindi ko alam na ganito pala ang dapat gawin sa rosaryo kapag namatayan. Growing up, the beliefs I heard most were pagpag after a wake, no sweeping at night, and no cutting nails after dark. Honestly, pagpag lang talaga ang sinusunod ko — I still cut my nails at night, and I'm fine. But if there's nothing to lose, why not follow them for peace of mind?"

Yumi: "The only superstitions I really know are shaking off spirits after a wake and not sweeping at night. After one wake, I actually stopped by a store on the way home just to shake off any spirits."

Aubrey: "I'll just add to what they said—in our family, looking at a broken mirror is forbidden. But honestly, we don't really practice those things anymore. The rosary belief was completely new to me, but I think the same logic applies: there's nothing to lose if you follow it."

Rose: "Of the superstitions, the only ones I follow are the positive ones—like jumping on New Year's for good luck or tossing coins to multiply your money. I don't believe in the negative ones anymore, because the more you believe, the more likely they are to come true."

About 'Rosario'

Viva Films unleashes a curse like no other in “Rosario,” the latest horror film from writer-director Roni S. Benaid (Poon; Mary Cherry Chua; Marita; Nanay, Tatay).

Rooted in Filipino superstition, the film plunges viewers into a chilling nightmare where grief becomes a death sentence. The movie opens in cinemas on April 22.

‘Rosario’ is brought to life by a talented cast led by Aubrey Caraan as Beth, a loving sister desperate to save her family; Yumi Garcia as Ave, the estranged sister pulled into the curse; Lance Carr as Caleb, Beth’s past lover who returns to help break the chain; Meg Imperial as Magda, the strong-willed eldest burdened by responsibility; Jairus Aquino as James, the caring brother trying to keep everyone grounded; and Suzette Ranillo as aunt Anne, whose actions unknowingly set the deadly chain in motion.

The film also features Bernadette Allyson and Rose Van Ginkel portraying crucial characters in the family’s turmoil.

Half-day work for gov’t agencies on April 1

 

Half-day work for gov’t agencies on April 1; PNP on full alert for Holy Week

DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon answers questions during the launching of safe Holy Week travel at Camp Crame in Quezon City on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. Also present were DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla, DOTr Secretary Giovanni Z. Lopez and PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr. (Photo courtesy of PNP)

Malacañang has ordered a half-day work in government offices on Wednesday, April 1, a day before the three-day Holy Week holiday. Read more

Meanwhile, police forces across the country were placed on the highest security alert status starting Tuesday March 31, to ensure maximum security coverage as millions of Filipinos travel and observe the Holy Week. Read more

50 Golden Rules For Life

 

1. Never shake hands at anyone without standing up.
2. In a negotiation, never make the first offer.
3. If they trust you a secret, keep it.
4. If they lend you a car, return it with a full tank.
5. Do things with passion or don't do it at all.
6. When you shake your hand make it firm and look that person in the eye.
7. Live the experience of traveling alone.
8. Never turn down a peppermint pill, the reasons are obvious.
9. Take advice if you want to grow old.
10. Come eat with the new person at school/office.
11. When you text someone and you're angry; finish, read it, delete it, and rewrite the message.
12. At the table you don't talk about work, politics, or religion.
13. Write your goals, and work on them.
14. Defend your point of view but be tolerant and respectful to others.
15. Call and visit your relatives.
16. Never regret anything, learn from everything.
17. Honor and loyalty must be present in your personality.
18. Don't lend money to someone you know won't pay you back.
19. Believe in something.
20. Tend your bed when you wake up in the mornings.
21. Sing in the shower.
22. Care for a plant or a garden.
23. Keep an eye on the sky every chance you get.
24. Discover your skills and exploit them.
25. Love your job or leave it.
26. Ask for help when you need it.
27. Teach someone a value, preferably a small one.
28. Appreciate and thank the one who extends your hand.
29. Be kind to your neighbors.
30. Make someone's day happier, it will make you happier too.
31. Compete with yourself.
32. Treat yourself at least once a year.
33. Take care of your health.
34. Always greet with a smile.
35. Think fast but speak slow.
36. Don't talk with a mouth full.
37. Polish your shoes, cut your nails, and always keep a good look.
38. Don't put your opinion on issues you don't know.
39. Never mistreat anyone.
40. Live your life as if it were the last day of it.
41. Never miss a wonderful opportunity to remain quiet.
42. Recognize someone for their effort.
43. Be humble, even though not all the time.
44. Never forget your roots.
45. Travel when you can.
46. Give up the step.
47. Dance in the rain.
48. Seek your success without giving up.
49. Be fair, stand up for those who need you.
50. Learn to enjoy moments of loneliness.

 

HAPPY EASTER!

By

 Mindanao Daily News

 -

March 31, 2026

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Each year, Easter falls on a different day – and this year it’s coming a little early. In 2024, Easter falls on Sunday, March 31. But why is the holiday coming earlier than usual, and how is it determined? According to experts, it has to do with a full moon.

Easter Monday is a Christian holiday celebrated the day after Easter Sunday.

In many countries in Europe and South America, this day is known as “Little Easter”. The Catholic Church calls it “Monday of the Angel”.

Formerly, it was celebrated as Easter Week in many places but this was reduced to a one-day celebration in the 19th century.

Emperor Constantine (272-337 AD) imposed eight consecutive public holidays in Rome, a period called the “Octave of Easter”. Monday, like other days, was a public holiday. Masses were held every day to celebrate the Easter feast. During this period, pilgrims could also take the opportunity to travel to Rome. This Easter octave, however, came to an end under Napoleon Bonaparte.

From 1801 and the signing of the Concordat with the Pope, the then-First Consul undertook to reorganize the practices of the Catholic Church of France. He also removed public holidays, which numbered 50 at the time. Napoleon chose to keep Assumption, Ascension, Christmas and All Saints. On the other hand, it abolished the public holiday week following Easter, keeping only one day exempt from work: Monday. 

To die is to live! We are always shocked when in the middle of our surroundings, somebody passes away. Our usual questions are: “Why die so young? Why he, why she? A natural reaction, indeed.

When Jesus finally gave up His spirit on the cross after three hours of bitter agony, the Pharisees said: “Finally, that impostor has gone. He deserved to die that kind of death!”

Let’s remember: After the waving of the tree branches by the Jewish crowd and Hosannas of Palm Sunday, the arrest of Jesus betrayed by Judas in the Garden of Olives, the imprisonment and humiliation of Holy Thursday night, the carrying of the cross, crucifixion, and death at Good Friday, – Jesus Christ rose from the tomb on Easter Sunday – glorious and will never and die again!

For Jesus, dying was not the end of everything. It was the beginning of a new life. Symbolically we see the Easter Resurrection of our Lord depicted in various ways, which always point to life after death. Especially in parts of the world where deep winter lets all plants and trees “sleep” for a couple of months, people enjoy the spirit of the new shoots that come out of a big trunk of a tree.

Eggs were usually symbols used in springtime long before Christianity came into existence. The eggs symbolize life, which is causing it to grow. Since Easter usually occurs at spring time (March or April), which is already summer in the Philippines, this egg-symbol was still in use among the pagans of early times when Christian were celebrating Easter.

A blessed Easter to all of you, my dear readers. Walk this day with great confidence in your heart, mind and soul.

And, enjoy your egg hunting with your loved ones…!

 Maria Luisa Diente

DC BUS SERVICE SUSPENDS TRIPS FOR HOLY WEEK

DC Bus announced that trips on Wednesday will end earlier than usual, with the final trips scheduled at 9 p.m.

There will be no bus operations on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Black Saturday. Regular service will resume on Monday, April 6, as buses also do not operate on Sundays.

At present, the system operates 10 bus units, providing free rides during peak hours—from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Meanwhile, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board Region XI clarified that there is no advisory suspending the operations of Love Bus units serving the Lasang via Sasa and Mintal routes.

March inflation seen accelerating to 3.9%

 

BY IAN NICOLAS P. CIGARAL

APRIL 1, 2026

EDITED BY INQUIRER PLUS GRAPHICS/FAITH HINOJOSA

Read Next

Peso extends losing streak, hits new low

Inflation likely accelerated in March and may have nearly overshot the upper end of the official target range, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said, citing a surge in energy costs and the pass-through effects of a weakening currency that has fallen to record lows amid tensions in the Middle East.

In a statement on Tuesday, the central bank said it expected consumer prices to have risen between 3.1 percent and 3.9 percent last month.

If the forecast holds, the figure to be released by the Philippine Statistics Authority on April 7 would mark a pickup from the 2.4-percent pace in February and signal that inflation came close to breaching the central bank’s 2-percent to 4-percent target band.

“Inflation risks have intensified with upward price pressures arising from the significant increase in domestic petroleum prices, higher rice prices, increased electricity charges in Meralco-serviced areas, and depreciation of the peso,” the BSP said.

“The anticipated lower prices of vegetables, fish, and meat may help temper inflation, but upside pressures continue to warrant close monitoring,” it added.

The war, which has entered its fifth week, broke out after the United States and Israel launched joint attacks against Iran. The conflict has disrupted traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow shipping lane where 20 percent of global oil supply passes.

The turmoil has ignited fears for oil-importing countries like the Philippines, which became the first nation to declare a state of national energy emergency. Data from the Department of Energy show local gasoline prices have risen a net P45.30 per liter so far this year, while diesel has climbed P76.05 and kerosene P75.60.

This, as global crude prices have soared to $100 per barrel while fears of a drawn-out regional upheaval have boosted the US dollar, wreaking havoc on Asian currencies like the Philippine peso, which has weakened past the 60-per-dollar level.

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BUSINESS

Peso falls to 59:$1 amid Middle East crisis

The oil shock has already shaped the central bank’s policy stance ahead of its scheduled April 23 meeting. Officials opted for an off-cycle decision last week to keep the policy rate unchanged at 4.25 percent, even as they raised their average inflation forecast for 2026 to 5.1 percent—with price gains likely to hit as high as 5 percent in April and breach the official target band.

Governor Eli Remolona Jr. has said that raising borrowing costs to fight inflation could delay the economy’s rebound from a confidence shock triggered by a major corruption scandal. He added that higher interest rates—typically used to curb demand-driven inflation—would do little to counter supply-side price pressures stemming from the Iran conflict.

Overall, Remolona said policymakers do not expect a buildup in demand-side inflation, pointing instead to weak growth that could temper consumer spending.

“The BSP will remain vigilant and guided by incoming data, specifically on inflation and growth prospects,” the central bank said. “We will continue to monitor recent developments in the Middle East for their implications on inflation and economic activity.”