The hard truth about oil

By Manila Bulletin

Published Apr 11, 2026 12:05 am | Updated Apr 10, 2026 06:07 pm

The headlines might suggest that the worst of the Middle East conflict is over, but for the Filipino consumer, the relief is likely to be an illusion. While a pause in hostilities between the United States (US), Israel, and Iran is always welcome, the Department of Energy’s (DOE) latest assessment showed that the damage to the global oil market is serious and, in many ways, permanent.

President Marcos’ energy chief did not sugarcoat the situation this week, saying fuel prices are not going back to where they were before the fighting started. We are no longer just dealing with a “war premium” or temporary market jitters. The infrastructure that moves oil from the Middle East to the rest of the world has been physically battered. Even if every shipping lane stayed open tomorrow, the refineries and storage hubs needed to fill those ships would take years to rebuild.

For the average motorist, this is a bitter pill. We have seen fuel prices jump by 100 percent in a single month—the fastest spike on record. While there is talk of a slight “U-turn” in the coming days, the floor has moved. We are now looking at a world where 20 percent of the global supply is effectively offline. In the Philippines, where we rely on these imports, the reality is that diesel could soon hit over ₱175 per liter.

The economic fallout is already showing up in the numbers. Inflation hit 4.1 percent in March, but the real story is the month-on-month jump. Prices for basic goods are rising at their fastest pace in years because everything we eat or use has to be transported. When the peso’s purchasing power drops to ₱0.75, it is not just a technicality; it’s a direct hit to every family’s ability to put food on the table.

But there is some good news on the government side, though it offers cold comfort at the pump. The country’s fiscal health is actually holding up. The Department of Finance (DOF) has noted that tax collections are up and the budget deficit is narrowing. This gives the Marcos administration the “safety net” it needs to fund subsidies for the most affected sectors without going into a debt spiral. The early remittance of dividends from government-owned corporations has also provided a much-needed cash buffer at exactly the right time.

However, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is in a difficult position. If inflation continues to bleed into every other part of the economy, the central bank’s Monetary Board will likely have to raise interest rates again. Higher rates might help control prices, but they also make it more expensive for businesses to grow and for families to take out loans. It’s a delicate balancing act with no easy exits for the BSP.

The reality is that we are in a state of national energy emergency, and there is no quick fix. The government’s plan to diversify where we buy our oil—bringing in shipments from places like India and Oman—is a necessary step, but it will not lower energy prices overnight.

We have to face the fact that the global energy landscape has changed after the conflict. The “structural change” the DOE mentioned means that the era of cheap and predictable fuel is over for now.

As a nation, we have to move past the hope of a quick rollback and focus on how to manage an economy where high energy costs are the new baseline. Relief will be slow, and the path back to stability will likely be measured in years, not just months.

Rajo Laurel invites everyone to embrace childlike wonder through dressing

 

By John Legaspi

Published Apr 5, 2026 01:33 pm

Summertime dressing can be defined in three words: carefree, colorful, and cheerful. Pieces should be an invitation for joyful moments, a taste of adventure, and a celebration of easy, sun-soaked days that feel endlessly nostalgic.

Pieces from Rajo Laurel's 'Child's Play' collection (Photo from Rajo Laurel)

For noted Filipino fashion designer Rajo Laurel, all those themes are reflective of childhood, the wonder that comes from seeing the world with fresh eyes and finding joy in the simplest of moments. That’s why for Spring-Summer 2026, he crafted a collection that is a meditation on color, memory, and the quiet yet powerful language of imagination.

Dubbed “Child’s Play,” the collection is inspired by Danish-born, London-based designer Nina Tolstrup’s works, specifically the Bethnal Green Mews House. The collection reflects an environment where color is both playful and precise. Boldness exists alongside restraint, and every hue carries intention.

Pieces from Rajo Laurel's 'Child's Play' collection (Photo from Rajo Laurel)

Pieces from Rajo Laurel's 'Child's Play' collection (Photo from Rajo Laurel)

Pieces from Rajo Laurel's 'Child's Play' collection (Photo from Rajo Laurel)

Rajo translated this philosophy through a medley of colors and textures. Soft neutrals, earth tones, and quiet pastels are accented with bold hues, from electric blue to bursts of citrus and saturated primaries. These curated tones echo how the colors we encounter in childhood imprint themselves onto our consciousness, resurfacing years later as fragments of nostalgia, comfort, or joy.

“There is a certain honesty in how children engage with the world,” Rajo says. “They respond to color without hesitation or judgment. That purity of response—of simply liking something because it brings joy—is something I wanted to revisit in this collection.”

Pieces from Rajo Laurel's 'Child's Play' collection (Photo from Rajo Laurel)

Pieces from Rajo Laurel's 'Child's Play' collection (Photo from Rajo Laurel)

Pieces from Rajo Laurel's 'Child's Play' collection (Photo from Rajo Laurel)

The idea of play is also present in the selection of materials. Fabrics are chosen not only for their aesthetic qualities but for how they interact with color—how they absorb, reflect, and transform it under different conditions. The result is a kaleidoscopic collection that invites curiosity, something that is often left behind in adulthood.

Marking a significant moment for the brand, Rajo Laurel’s namesake label further expands its presence with the opening of its newest boutique on the second level of SM Aura Premier on April 6, 2026. The space echoes the collection’s philosophy—an environment where design is both intentional and immersive, allowing visitors to engage with the pieces in a setting that mirrors their conceptual roots.

“Child’s Play” will be available at The Rajo Store starting April 11, 2026, and on rajolaurel.com starting April 14. The Rajo Store is also located at Power Plant Mall, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, and SM Aura Premier.

 

By Dr. Jun Ynares

Published Apr 8, 2026 12:05 am | Updated Apr 7, 2026 06:12 pm

THE VIEW FROM RIZAL

Tomorrow, the 9th of April, the nation will celebrate “Araw ng Kagitingan.”

The root word of “Kagitingan” is “giting,” and is translated in English as “bravery, valor, courage, or heroism.” By way of review, the date officially became the nationwide celebration of the Day of Valor in 1987, when the late President Cory Aquino signed Executive Order 203, changing the celebration's erstwhile label from “Bataan Day.”

While this may not be a loudly celebrated day, it is as relevant as ever. After all, our individual and shared “Kagitingan” matters today, especially as the world faces hard times and an uncertain future brought about by recent developments on the global stage.

We recall that the holiday's previous name contained a controversial reference to the historic “Fall of Bataan.” When it was still referred to by that name, a growing number of Filipinos of the post-war era started asking this question:

“Why do we, Filipinos, celebrate a ‘Fall’?”

Several years ago, I recall asking our elders in Rizal province about the former reference to the April 9 celebration. They offered a profound insight. They said that what was then referred to as the “Fall of Bataan” was actually a “win moment,” a “glorious occasion,” and a time to celebrate the “uncommon valor” of the Filipino soldier and of every Filipino.

Once again, let me share their perspective.

According to them, what Filipinos did in the events leading up to that infamous “Fall” was important to the peace-loving world.

They told us that Bataan – that peninsula west of Metro Manila – was the designated site of a “last stand” against invading forces. They said that at that point in the Second World War, the Philippines was the last country in the Far East left standing. The military forces made up of Filipinos and Americans were to give their all in a bid to delay the total victory of the invaders.

They were able to do so with just a meager supply of ammunition, little food, and water. They had to rely on pure courage and on the promise of an American general that he “shall return.”

The gallant stand in Bataan made by what was then known as the USAFFE (United States Armed Forces in the Far East) resulted in the deaths of thousands and the eventual surrender of some 80,000 wounded, sick, famished Filipinos soldiers who eventually joined the equally infamous “Death March” from Mariveles, Bataan to San Fernando, Pampanga.

Historians say that by holding off the enemy for three months, the 120,000 Filipino and American troops significantly delayed the enemy's advance. This was the last part of the region still resisting. By doing so, they diminished the adversary’s capability to approach and attack the almost indefensible northern coast of Australia.

Yes. The Fall of Bataan prevented the Fall of Australia and a total defeat of the Allied forces.

Our elders also point out that the defense of Bataan was a showcase of the Filipino’s sterling character. They say we have an enormous capacity for pain and suffering. We are a people who do not allow setbacks to bring us down and keep us on the ground. We do not surrender. We just keep fighting.

Today, this quality is often called the “Adversity Quotient,” or AQ, which applies to modern challenges as much as it did in the past.

AQ is a score, much like IQ and EQ. The AQ score helps one understand their ability to cope with life’s adversities. It shows how resilient one is. “Resilience” is what others call the “bounce back” power.

The Filipinos who stood up against superior forces displayed “Kagitingan.”

They showed the world they are not daunted by adversity. Scarcity of resources does not dictate how they fight the battle. They always rise after a brief, even if nasty, fall.

We do not know how long the present “adversity” will last. The powers that have triggered the latest round of global conflict have yet to tell the rest of the collateral-damaged world what the endgame is. Meanwhile, we will have to rely on our remarkable Adversity Quotient. We will have to adjust, innovate, and be creative to make it through these difficult times – just as our forebears did during the War.

We join the rest of the nation in remembering and saluting the uncommon valor of the Filipino soldiers who fought in Bataan in 1942. We also honor every Filipino fighting their own battle today.

(The author is a Doctor of Medicine, an entrepreneur and the mayor of Antipolo City, former Rizal governor, and DENR assistant secretary, LLDA general manager. Email: antipolocitygov@gmail.com)

PH foreign policy amid Mid-East crisis: Strategies on non-alignment, prudence

By Manila Bulletin

Published Apr 7, 2026 12:05 am | Updated Apr 6, 2026 05:05 pm

Amid intensifying conflict in the Middle East, the Philippines has taken a calibrated diplomatic step: appealing to Iran to regard the country as a non-hostile nation. This is not a mere tactical move born of immediate necessity; it is a reaffirmation of a long-standing foreign policy tradition that is anchored on prudence, non-alignment, and multilateral engagement.

Recent pronouncements by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) underscore this posture. Philippine officials have emphasized that the country maintains “good relations” with Iran and has sought to clearly communicate that security arrangements such as Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites remain under Philippine control, not instruments of aggression against any state. Parallel diplomatic efforts have also included appeals for safe passage of Philippine vessels and the protection of national interests amid volatile shipping routes. These actions reflect a deliberate attempt to insulate the Philippines from being drawn into great power conflicts beyond its shores.

At its core, this approach reflects the Philippines’ enduring commitment to a policy of non-alignment. While the country maintains strategic alliances—notably with the United States—it has consistently sought to avoid entanglement in conflicts that do not directly serve its national interest. This balancing act is neither new nor accidental. It echoes the spirit of independent foreign policy enshrined in the Constitution: to be “a friend to all and enemy to none.”

This posture finds resonance within the broader framework of ASEAN centrality and solidarity. As tensions escalated following recent strikes involving Iran, ASEAN foreign ministers collectively called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and emphasized diplomacy as the primary path forward. The Philippines, as an active ASEAN member, aligns itself with this consensus, recognizing that regional stability is best preserved through dialogue, restraint, and cooperation.

Indeed, ASEAN’s response highlights an important dimension of Philippine foreign policy: the strength of regionalism. In times of crisis, Southeast Asian nations have demonstrated a capacity for mutual support, whether through coordinated evacuations or joint diplomatic statements. This “ASEAN way” reinforces the Philippines’ strategic preference for multilateral solutions over unilateral or confrontational approaches.

Yet, the evolving global landscape presents increasingly complex challenges. The Philippines today must navigate overlapping pressures: geopolitical rivalry among major powers, economic vulnerabilities linked to energy dependence, and the imperative to protect millions of Filipinos working overseas. The government’s immediate priority—ensuring the safety of Filipinos in conflict zones—has been clearly articulated, with directives to implement contingency plans and provide assistance where needed. At the same time, it continues to call for de-escalation and peaceful resolution of conflicts.

This dual approach—protecting national interests while advocating for peace—illustrates an adaptive foreign policy. It is neither passive neutrality nor rigid alignment, but a dynamic balancing act responsive to shifting realities. The Philippines engages allies where necessary, asserts sovereignty where required, and builds bridges wherever possible.

In a fast-evolving world, this pragmatism is both a strength and a necessity. The appeal to Iran to view the Philippines as a non-hostile nation is emblematic of a broader strategy: to remain engaged but not entangled, principled yet flexible, and firmly anchored in multilateral cooperation.

Ultimately, the test of Philippine foreign policy lies in its ability to safeguard national interests without sacrificing its commitment to peace and international law. In an era of uncertainty, the country’s steady adherence to non-alignment, ASEAN centrality, and diplomatic engagement offers a credible path forward — one that seeks not only to weather global storms, but to help calm them.

Energy crisis demands unified multi-sectoral response

 

By Manila Bulletin

Published Apr 6, 2026 12:05 am | Updated Apr 5, 2026 03:30 pm

The renewed conflict in the Middle East has triggered sharp increases in global oil prices, once again testing the Philippines’ economic resilience. In response, both the national government and local government units (LGUs) have rolled out a range of concrete measures to cushion the impact on transport costs, electricity prices, and the cost of basic goods. These interventions are necessary and commendable, but they will only be fully effective if citizens and the private sector actively do their part.

At the national level, government action has been both immediate and strategic. Under existing energy contingency frameworks, fuel subsidies have been reactivated and expanded for public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers, farmers, and fisher folk—sectors most directly affected by rising diesel and gasoline prices. The Department of Energy (DOE) has intensified weekly monitoring of oil companies to ensure compliance with fair pricing rules, while the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has stepped up enforcement against hoarding and profiteering, particularly for essential goods whose prices are sensitive to fuel costs.

In addition, the government has implemented demand-side management measures. National agencies have been directed to reduce electricity and fuel consumption by limiting non-essential travel, optimizing air-conditioning use, and adopting energy-efficient lighting in public buildings. The Government Energy Management Program (GEMP) has been reinforced, requiring agencies to meet specific reduction targets. Work-from-home or hybrid arrangements have also been encouraged in appropriate sectors to reduce transport demand.

On the supply and structural side, the Department of Energy has accelerated the roll out of the Renewable Energy (RE) program. This includes fast-tracking approvals for solar and wind projects, promoting the Green Energy Auction Program (GEAP), and encouraging greater private sector participation in power generation. Efforts to diversify energy sources—including liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports—are likewise being pursued to stabilize supply.

Local governments have complemented these measures with practical, community-based responses. Many LGUs have enforced energy-saving protocols in government facilities, such as reduced operating hours for air-conditioning and stricter vehicle-use policies. In urban centers, traffic management schemes—like synchronized traffic lights, carpool lanes, and designated bike lanes—have been strengthened to reduce fuel wastage. Some LGUs have also provided localized fuel assistance or transport discounts for tricycle and jeepney drivers.

Public transport rationalization has been adjusted in certain areas, with LGUs coordinating route optimization to avoid duplication and reduce unnecessary fuel consumption. Community-level information campaigns—through barangays and local media—have promoted simple energy-saving practices, such as using LED lighting, unplugging idle appliances, and conserving water (which also reduces energy use in pumping and distribution).

Despite these comprehensive measures, the scale of the crisis demands broader participation. Citizens must embrace energy conservation as a daily discipline. Minimizing private vehicle use, combining errands into fewer trips, and adopting energy-efficient appliances are practical steps that can collectively reduce national demand.

The private sector, for its part, must go beyond compliance. Companies should conduct energy audits, invest in renewable energy installations such as rooftop solar, and adopt more efficient supply chain systems. Flexible work arrangements can significantly cut fuel consumption, while innovation in logistics and production can help offset rising costs. Equally important, businesses must exercise restraint in passing on price increases, especially for essential goods.

Ultimately, the current energy crisis is a stark reminder that vulnerability to external shocks remains a persistent challenge. While the government has laid out a clear and multi-level response, achieving resilience will depend on a whole-of-society effort. By aligning public policy with responsible consumption and forward-looking investments, the Philippines can navigate this with greater unity and emerge stronger in the face of future disruptions.

Sarah Lahbati sets sights on P300 million Paris apartment

 

By Robert Requintina

Published Apr 5, 2026 07:48 pm

Filipino-Moroccan actress Sarah Lahbati made an appearance in Season 6 of the Netflix reality series "The Parisian Agency: Exclusive Properties," touring a stunning luxury apartment she is considering as her next home.

Sarah Lahbati (Images courtesy of Facebook)

On the show, Sarah revealed plans to purchase a P300 million luxury apartment intended for her mother and children. She has set a budget of up to five million euros — approximately P349.9 million — for a property in the French capital.

Before wrapping up the tour, Sarah requested photos of the apartment to share with her mother and children for their input. She also opened up about being separated, noting that she has a lot of belongings to manage in the process.

Sarah Lahbati with children Zion and Kai

Sarah, 32, and actor Richard Gutierrez parted ways in late 2023, though Sarah did not publicly confirm the split until March 2024. The former couple, who wed in 2020, share two sons: Zion and Kai.

By January 2025, Richard confirmed that the two had begun the legal process of annulling their marriage.

As of March 2026, Richard shared that their co-parenting arrangement has been running smoothly.

Sarah has remained single since the separation, while Richard has moved on and is currently in a relationship with fellow actress Barbie Imperial.

Remove excise tax, VAT on oil products and essentials

 

By Raymundo W. Lo, MD, FPSP

Published Mar 31, 2026 12:05 am | Updated Mar 30, 2026 06:21 pm

UNDER THE MICROSCOPE

With the bill granting the president emergency powers regarding the energy crisis already passed, the president should not just reduce the excise tax on fuels. Rather, he should totally remove it, even temporarily, to give the people some breathing space amid the tightening fuel supply and soaring fuel prices.

He should also suspend the value-added tax, not only on fuels but on all necessities. Although VAT is levied on all purchases, its effects are far greater on those who are on the fringes (laylayan) who can barely keep body and soul together. It is a regressive tax, taking a larger percentage of income from low-income households compared to higher income households. The poverty incidence in the Philippines (those unable to buy both basic food and non-food needs) was 22.4 percent, or three million families. On the individual level, it was 15.5 percent, or 17.54 million individuals in 2023. These rates are higher in Mindanao and the Cordilleras. Those three million families reported experiencing involuntary hunger. They may not have anything to eat at all soon.

The middle-income earners are not exempt from the effects of VAT. The more you consume, the higher the amount of VAT you pay. With the oil crisis, we can expect more middle-income earners at the lower level to join the impoverished. Although the middle class are 39.8 percent of the population, those earning ₱24,000 and even a little higher will be in danger of joining the poor. They are also be vulnerable to economic shocks, such as a serious illness in the family, or losing their jobs.

Subsidies are generally limited in amounts. The transport sector will be given subsidies, but these are more often one-time dole-outs and have no lasting effects. They are also very limited in scope. More often than not, politicians make a big show out of handing out subsidies, in aid of re-election.

At the country level, a one percentage point increase in the VAT rate is associated with a 2.802 percent decline in average nominal wages. The same increase will produce a 1.444 percent decline in employment. So, while the government enjoys a windfall with VAT collection, the people, especially the great majority of Filipinos, will suffer more.

We are not in the critical phase of this war-induced economic downturn yet but it will definitely get a lot worse before it gets better. Already, we are feeling the inflationary effects of the oil price increases in terms of higher prices on practically everything that needs to be imported or transported to the point of sale.

The mass transport sector was the first to be affected, with jeepney drivers and operators staging strikes. They were the first to clamor for removing excise taxes and VAT. But the inflationary price spiral will surely hit the average consumer hard. Daily wages which are hardly enough to keep body and soul together, will be even more inadequate in the face of price increases on all necessities-food, clothing and shelter.

As the inflationary effects of the Mid-East crisis accelerate, many more will sink into poverty. The divide between the haves and the have-nots will widen. People will be driven to commit crime to make ends meet in desperation. Parents cannot stand seeing their children starve. There will be social unrest which fringe elements will make the most of and agitate for regime change. This nation, already divided, will face even more fragmentation. The administration, already besieged by multiple crises, should act to ameliorate the effects of this crisis, or it will face challenges to its authority and possibly, destabilization efforts by its enemies, including its former partners. This does not augur well for the Marcos Jr. administration.

The government is set to have a revenue shortfall of ₱121.4 billion with a suspension of the excise tax. Definitely, suspending the VAT on fuel and necessities will cost the government more. The total revenue losses will be around ₱330 billion. It will result in a fiscal deficit, increase national debt, reduce spending on essential social services and development projects, and further reduce government income due to reduced indirect taxation. But we should weigh the costs of lost government revenue with the cushioning of the crisis-induced inflation that will hit every Filipino hard, more so the daily income earner. It’s time to reduce spending on other services. Development projects can wait. Everyone should tighten their belts.

Besides, the revenue shortfall will primarily affect the provision of unprogrammed funds, which are the primary target of corrupt government officials. For the year’s budget, unprogrammed funds have been trimmed to ₱150.9 billion. Without any unprogrammed funds to tinker with, politicians will have less opportunities for dipping their dirty fingers into government coffers. That may well be the silver lining in this scenario.

.Strategic price freeze imperative amid crisis

By Manila Bulletin

Published Mar 30, 2026 12:05 am | Updated Mar 29, 2026 03:48 pm

The renewed volatility in global oil markets, triggered by escalating tensions in the Middle East, is once again testing the resilience of the Philippine economy. As fuel prices surge, the ripple effects are swiftly felt across sectors. Transportation fares rise, production costs escalate, and inevitably, the prices of basic commodities follow suit. For millions of Filipino households, especially those at the lower end of the income spectrum, this is not merely an inconvenience; it is a matter of daily survival.

Calls for a price freeze on essential goods and basic commodities have thus gained urgency and moral weight. At the heart of this appeal lies a simple but compelling truth. When external shocks threaten to destabilize the economic order, government must act decisively to protect the most vulnerable while preserving overall stability.

Fuel price increases have a uniquely pervasive impact. Unlike other commodities, oil affects nearly every stage of the supply chain: from farm inputs and food transport to manufacturing and retail distribution. As logistics costs climb, food prices become particularly susceptible to continuous upward adjustments. Left unchecked, this can trigger a cycle of inflation that erodes purchasing power, dampens consumer confidence, and constrains economic activity.

The poorest sectors bear the heaviest burden. With already limited incomes, even marginal price increases can force painful trade-offs—less food on the table, deferred healthcare, or children pulled out of school. Inflation, in this context, is not an abstract economic indicator. It is a painful reality that deepens inequality and undermines social cohesion.

The declaration of a national energy emergency under Executive Order No. 110 was a necessary step in addressing supply-side risks and mobilizing government resources. However, its scope notably stops short of directly addressing the cascading effects on food and other essential goods. This gap underscores the need for complementary policy measures that can cushion the immediate impact on consumers.

A carefully calibrated price freeze, limited in duration and scope, can serve as a stabilizing mechanism during periods of extraordinary volatility. It signals government’s resolve to prevent opportunistic pricing and speculative behavior, while giving both producers and consumers a predictable environment in which to operate. Such an intervention, however, must be accompanied by robust enforcement and clear guidelines to avoid unintended consequences such as hoarding, supply shortages, or black-market activities.

Equally important is the need for targeted support to producers and small businesses who may be adversely affected by a price cap. Subsidies, tax relief, or temporary financial assistance can help ensure that supply chains remain intact and that the burden of adjustment is shared equitably across the economy.

Beyond immediate relief, this moment calls for a broader reflection on economic resilience. Strengthening local food production, investing in energy diversification, and enhancing supply chain efficiency are critical to reducing vulnerability to external shocks. Social safety nets must also be reinforced to provide timely assistance to those most in need.

The objective is not to distort markets indefinitely, but to prevent short-term disruptions from evolving into long-term crises. Economic continuity depends as much on maintaining consumer confidence as it does on safeguarding production and distribution systems. A measured price freeze, implemented with transparency and supported by complementary policies, can help achieve this balance.

In times of uncertainty, the role of government as steward of the public good becomes paramount. Ensuring that no Filipino is left behind amid rising prices is not only an economic necessity; it is a moral imperative.

Faith in God in times of crisis

 

By Manila Bulletin

Published Mar 29, 2026 12:05 am | Updated Mar 28, 2026 04:09 pm

The Middle East conflict reminds us how fragile human systems can be. As oil prices surge by double digits, fuel costs rise, transport fares increase, and the prices of basic goods—fish, vegetables, and other staples—follow. This left Filipino households struggling to keep food on the table.

And this points to a deeper question: Where does true provision come from when everything else proves uncertain?

Keep in mind, fuel price shocks are not confined solely to energy markets. They spread swiftly into the cost structures of our daily life. Transport operators adjust fares to offset rising diesel prices. Agricultural producers face increased expenses in cultivation, storage, and distribution. Fisherfolk, already vulnerable, must contend with higher operational costs simply to sustain their livelihoods. Inevitably, these pressures converge in the marketplace, where the prices of essential goods rise beyond the reach of many households.

The result is economic strain, and erosion of food security and household stability.

Government interventions, including cash assistance and targeted subsidies, represent necessary responses to immediate hardship. Yet their impact is often constrained by scale, timing, and sustainability. They address symptoms rather than causes, offering temporary relief without fully arresting the broader, systemic cascade. In this context, reliance on purely human solutions exposes the fragility of systems upon which modern societies have come to depend.

Indeed, the present crisis underscores the uncertainty of material wealth and institutional assurances. Markets fluctuate, supply chains falter, and policies, however well-conceived, remain subject to forces beyond human control.

It is precisely within this uncertainty that a more enduring foundation is revealed. The Bible offers not an escape from economic realities, but a reorientation of trust. Philippians 4:19 affirms, “And my God shall supply all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” This declaration does not dismiss the existence of scarcity; rather, it points to a source of provision that transcends it.

Biblical testimony consistently illustrates that divine provision is neither constrained by nor dependent upon conventional systems. In 1 Kings 17, sustenance is delivered through unexpected means during a time of drought, demonstrating that when established channels fail, God delivers provision in a way we do not expect. Similarly, Psalm 37:19 assures that “in times of disaster they will not wither; in days of famine they will enjoy plenty.” Such passages articulate a principle often overlooked in modern discourse: that spiritual fidelity constitutes a form of capital more resilient than material accumulation.

This perspective, however, does not advocate passivity. The exhortation to “be still, and know that I am God” in Psalm 46:10 calls not for disengagement, but for composure anchored in divine sovereignty. It is an invitation to resist fear-driven responses while maintaining clarity of purpose. Complementing this trust is the imperative of stewardship—prudence in the management of resources, discernment in consumption, and, critically, generosity toward others.

In periods of scarcity, the instinct toward self-preservation can overshadow communal responsibility. Yet it is precisely through acts of shared provision that communities endure. The discipline of giving, even when resources appear limited, reflects a confidence in a supply that exceeds visible means.

As Daniel 2:21 reminds us, it is God who “changes times and seasons”. Stability, therefore, cannot be grounded solely in policy or economic design, but must ultimately rest in the sovereignty of God, the one who governs both.

The chain of consequences—from distant conflict to local deprivation—may continue to unfold. Yet it does not possess ultimate authority. Beyond the volatility of markets and the uncertainty of riches stands the enduring certainty of God, our Greatest Provider. And it is in this certainty that both resilience and hope are most securely found.

Fuel hikes to ease next week

 

Fuel hikes to ease next week; Camago-3 gas breakthrough a major step in oil security

PUBLIC utility vehicles (PUVs) continue to ply their usual routes along a busy street in Davao City on Thursday, March 26. (Photo by Keith Bacongco I MB)

Fuel prices are expected to offer a slight reprieve to motorists next week, as easing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East begin to cool global energy benchmarks. According to industry data based on the four-day trading Mean of Platts Singapore, gasoline prices are projected to remain flat or see a minimal increase of up to ₱3 per liter. Read more

Meanwhile, Senator Pia Cayetano on Friday, March 27 welcomed the successful drilling of the Camago-3 gas well, saying it a breakthrough for the Philippine’s energy security and local energy production. Read more

Pinoy pride: The first trailer of DreamWorks 'Forgotten Island' featuring Filipino culture

 

By Robert Requintina

Published Mar 26, 2026 12:03 am | Updated Mar 26, 2026 08:15 am

DreamWorks Animation released the first trailer of "Forgotten Island" on March 25, an original film that puts the unbreakable bond between two best friends to the ultimate test.

Rooted in rich Filipino culture, the film stars H.E.R. and Liza Soberano as Jo and Raissa — lifelong best friends and recent high school graduates on the verge of going their separate ways. But before they can say goodbye, a fateful accident sends them hurtling to Nakali, a mysterious island teeming with Filipino mythical creatures.

A scene from 'Forgotten Island' (Images courtesy of Universal Pictures)

Desperate to find their way home, they cross paths with Raww (Dave Franco), a charming weredog, and come face to face with the island’s most terrifying legend — the fearsome Manananggal (Lea Salonga). 

“Forgotten Island” also stars Jenny Slate, Manny Jacinto, Dolly de Leon, Jo Koy, and Ronny Chieng. Catch the captivating tale as “Forgotten Island” arrives in Philippine cinemas on Sept. 23. Check out Universal Pictures PH (FB), UniversalPicturesPH (IG), and UniversalPicsPH (TikTok) for the latest news and updates.

About 'Forgotten Island'

Your best friendship is worth fighting for.

DreamWorks Animation, the studio that brought you unforgettable bonds between a boy and a dragon in How to Train Your Dragon, an ogre and a donkey in Shrek, and a robot and a gosling in The Wild Robot, now welcomes a dazzling and emotional story about two lifelong best friends who must come together before they drift apart in Forgotten Island. 

The official film poster of 'Forgotten Island'

The new original film is written and directed by Academy Award® nominee Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado and is produced by Academy Award® nominee Mark Swift, the filmmaking team behind Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. 

Grammy and Academy Award® winning supernova H.E.R. and Liza Soberano (Lisa Frankenstein, Alone/Together) star as high school graduates Jo and Raissa, who have been best friends since grade school but are now about to embark on separate life paths. 

While celebrating their last night together, Jo and Raissa stumble upon a mysterious portal that transports them to the fantastical island of Nakali, packed with magical and mythological creatures they grew up hearing stories about from their Filipino families.   

Some of these figures will become friends, some foes. Joined by well-meaning-but- hapless weredog Raww (Dave Franco) and a small-but-mighty pack of pals, Jo and Raissa must face The Dreaded Manananggal (Tony winning icon Lea Salonga), the most feared creature on the island. When they discover that the memories of their entire friendship are the price for returning home, Jo and Raissa will race to find a way to leave the island before they forget each other forever.  

The film’s all-star voice cast also includes Emmy nominee Jenny Slate (Marcel the Shell with Shoes On, Dying for Sex), Manny Jacinto (The Good Place, Top Gun: Maverick), BAFTA nominee Dolly de Leon (Triangle of Sadness, Ghostlight), global comedy superstar Jo Koy (Haunted Mansion, Jo Koy: Live from Brooklyn) and Emmy winner Ronny Chieng (The Daily Show, M3GAN).  

DreamWorks Animation’s "Forgotten Island" is distributed by Universal Pictures.