2.48 MILLION BARRELS OF RUSSIAN CRUDE PROCURED

 NEWS UPDATE: 2.48 MILLION BARRELS OF RUSSIAN CRUDE PROCURED

Petron Corp., the country’s only oil refiner, said it has procured a total of 2.48 million barrels of crude oil sourced from Russia as the country faces an energy emergency.

These orders, along with all other crude secured, will beef up the company’s fuel inventory until June, Petron said.

It also noted that the procurement of Russian crude is not part of its business-as-usual sourcing strategy, as the orders were undertaken “strictly out of extreme necessity.”

“A refinery shutdown for failure to secure crude would lead to serious nationwide fuel shortages, sharp price spikes, panic buying, disruption to transportation and logistics, and broader economic dislocation,” the company said in a statement today.

| via Brix Lelis / Philippine Star

All reactions:

192You and 191 others

‘Outlier’ PH logs Asia’s sharpest confidence drop

 

BY IAN NICOLAS P. CIGARAL

MARCH 30, 2026

Metro Manila skyline —AFP FILE PHOTO

Read Next

PH firms turned more upbeat in February

HONG KONG—Filipino consumers recorded the sharpest drop in confidence in Asia in 2025, as persistent inflation worries, stagnant wages and the fallout from a recent graft scandal weighed on sentiment, a new survey found.

And with the ongoing war in the Middle East stoking local pump prices, effective government intervention is needed to shore up household confidence.

The Philippines stood out as an outlier in the Asia Consumer Study 2026 by Germany-based consultancy Roland Berger. The survey found that 35 percent of Filipino respondents expressed a positive outlook on the future, down from 53 percent in 2024—the steepest decline among 11 Asian markets surveyed.

Roland Berger polled more than 3,500 respondents across the region to track the forces shaping consumer behavior in 2025 and this year.

Hugo Texier, the study’s author and a partner at the firm, said the gloomier outlook largely reflected domestic developments. “Typically, this is driven by a political or economic event,” he said in an interview. “I think there is fear of inflation. I think there is wage stagnation.”

“It doesn’t mean they will not spend, but it means they are more cautious,” he added.

The findings echo the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ own consumer survey, which showed confidence deteriorating to a pandemic-era low of -22.2 percent in the fourth quarter of 2025.

A negative reading indicates pessimists outnumber optimists. Among the factors that dragged down household sentiment, the central bank said, was a sweeping corruption scandal that has implicated high-ranking government officials.

Roland Berger said the erosion in confidence was making Filipinos more price-conscious. About 22 percent of respondents said they were highly sensitive to prices when making purchases, relying on promotions, bundles and installment schemes to maximize value.

Even so, a larger share—49 percent—still placed the highest priority on product quality in their buying decisions.

Notably, that emphasis on quality is boosting interest in luxury goods. The proportion of Filipino respondents intending to shift toward premium purchases rose to 22 percent in 2025 from a year earlier, with the strongest demand for high-end clothing and footwear (61 percent), jewelry (59 percent) and cosmetics and fragrances (55 percent).

SEE ALSO

BUSINESS

PH remittances rose 3.5% in Jan despite seasonal pullback

Looking ahead, Texier said the ongoing war in the Middle East could trigger a “fundamental” shift in consumption patterns in the Philippines, with households likely to turn more price sensitive.

This, Texier said, should prompt businesses to rethink their strategy.

“Use promotions, bundles, installment options and loyalty programs to appeal to price-conscious consumers,” he said.

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.

Davao City celebrates FPRRD's 81st birth anniversary

By Ivy Tejano

Published Mar 28, 2026 10:25 pm

THE crowd at former President Rodrigo Duterte's 81st birthday in Davao City. (Photo via Ivy Tejano)

DAVAO CITY – Thousands of supporters joined a Solidarity Walk on Saturday afternoon, March 28, to celebrate the 81st birth anniversary of former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is detained overseas for alleged crimes against humanity.

Participants from the public and private sectors began marching around 4 p.m., wearing green shirts and carrying small and large Philippine, Japanese, and United States flags, as they moved from Roxas Ave. to San Pedro Square for a program.

Supporters holding candles and singing Happy Birthday to the former Chief Executive said the activity aimed to convey their greetings and prayers for the patriarch and expressed hope that he would soon return to Davao City.

In a video message, Davao City first district Rep. Paolo Duterte, who is in The Hague for his father, thanked Filipinos worldwide for celebrating the former Chief Executive's birthday and their continued prayers for his health.

"To my fellow Filipinos in different parts of the world who are celebrating the 81st birthday of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, thank you very, very much! Thank you for your continued prayers for his health," Rep. Duterte said.

Rep. Duterte thanked thousands of people who sent letters of support to former President Duterte and noted that their messages conveyed encouragement, prayers, and solidarity during a challenging time.

The lawmaker’s siblings, Vice President Sara Duterte, Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte, and Veronica Duterte, extended warm greetings and messages, thanking supporters across the country and abroad for celebrating former President Duterte’s birthday.

Vice President Duterte stressed the importance of defending her father’s rights and described it as a matter of national sovereignty and called on the public to remain vigilant against what she called weaponization of the law and foreign interference in the country’s judicial processes.

Sen. Christopher Lawrence Go, a longtime aide of the former President, described the occasion as "the saddest birthday" the patriarch experienced and noted his preference for simple, private celebrations focused on helping people in poverty.

Go recalled his years of service with former President Duterte and described him as more than a father to him. He urged supporters to continue praying for the former President's safety, health, and freedom.

Davao City Councilor Luna Maria Dominique Acosta conveyed birthday wishes, saying that while former President Duterte was not present, his supporters gathered to celebrate on his behalf, emphasizing the widespread support he continues to receive.

"I wish you were here with us today. But since you are not, we will celebrate on your behalf. We are all here –Davao City and the entire nation – so many people love you, Tay! Happy, happy birthday! We love you!" Acosta said.

Former Budget Secretary Wendel Avisado delivered the opening remarks at the program and referred to former President Duterte as "a living hero," drawing applause from the crowd.

Other officials and close associates who attended and delivered messages include former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea and Duterte Youth party-list chairman Ronald Gian Carlo Cardema. Medialdea, however, was assisted offstage after appearing unwell during his speech.

Medialdea is a close friend of the former President and accompanied him as his legal representative when he was brought to The Hague on March 12, 2025, in connection with proceedings before the International Criminal Court.

Also present during the activity were former Presidential Legal Counsel and Spokesperson Salvador Panelo, Atty. Jimmy Bondoc, members of the Davao City Council, and local and national government officials.

Thousands of Davaoeños lined up to receive free food and water distributed during the event. Several groups distributed roasted pig, packed lunch, and bottled water to thank attendees.

Easter from Culture to Culture

 

Easter always falls on a Sunday. Many churches will offer worship services on Good Friday (the Friday just before Easter) along with one or more services on Easter Sunday itself. Easter Sunday marks the end of the 46-day preparatory season of Lent, which is significant in cultures around the world.

The exact date of Easter varies from year to year, but it typically falls during the month of April or sometimes late March. This seasonal timing gives the holiday its strong associations with springtime and rebirth in the natural world. Easter icons such as eggs, baby chicks, bunnies and tulips symbolize new life and renewed hope. Those are powerful ideas to embrace whether you celebrate Easter for religious reasons or simply because you enjoy the vibrant traditions that go along with the holiday.

The Resurrection Sunday church service is at the heart of African-American Easter traditions. Everyone dresses up in their best—new suits, shined shoes, bright dresses, hats, gloves. The worship services feature prayer, singing, Easter pageants, parades and speeches or recitations. Afterwards, the day focuses on family and togetherness, including a big dinner and often an egg hunt for the kids. Hiding a special empty golden egg that represents Jesus’ empty tomb is a time-honored Easter tradition for many African-American families.

“Pascha” is the term for Easter used in the Eastern Orthodox Church (also known as the Greek Orthodox Church). The date of Orthodox Easter is reckoned according to a different calendar, so it usually falls a few weeks later than Easter in Western Christian traditions. The word “Pascha” is familiar both within and beyond the Orthodox Church because of the traditional “Paschal Greeting” (also called the Easter Acclamation). In this celebratory exchange, one believer proclaims “He is risen!” and a fellow believer responds with either “Truly He is risen!” or “He is risen indeed!”

Easter is a very important religious holiday for Latinx people. The celebration is an entire week of events that begins with Palm Sunday (“Día de Ramos” in Spanish) and ends with the celebration of Jesus’ Resurrection. During the Holy Week (“Semana Santa” in Spanish), masses and prayer services are held on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and it’s common to see processions through towns and cities and people carrying crucifixes or statues of Jesus. Most of those events involve the entire family because they explore the biblical ideas of sacrifice, giving and forgiveness.

A simple “Happy Easter” wish can be a great option, especially when the card itself has already said a lot or when keeping it short simply feels right for your relationship with your recipient.

If you belong to a Christian faith tradition, then sharing the hope and joy of Christ’s Resurrection may be the key message you want to send in an Easter card. And there are lots of great ways to do that.

Celebrating the miracle of Easter, the beauty of God’s creation and the blessing of having you in my life.

 

PSEi declines after peso hits new record low

The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) was slightly lower on Friday, March 27, after the peso slid to a new low amid high oil prices fueled by the conflict in the Middle East. Read more

The peso weakened to ₱60.55 per dollar, surpassing the previous historic low of ₱60.3 set earlier this week, according to data from the Bankers Association of the Philippines. Read more

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

Monitoring ‘happiness’

 

Mahar MangahasMarch 21, 2026 12:09 am

March 20th was the United Nations’ annual International Day of Happiness, which stemmed from a 2012 UN Resolution initiated by Bhutan, the famed originator of the Gross National Happiness (GNH) concept. It explains the timing of the release of: (a) the Social Weather Stations (SWS) report, “Fourth Quarter 2025 Social Weather Survey: 33% of Pinoys are ‘very happy’ with life; 23% are ‘very satisfied’ with life” (www.sws.org.ph, 3/19/26), and (b) the 2026 World Happiness Report (WHR), published by the Wellbeing Research Group of the University of Oxford in partnership with Gallup, the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, and the WHR’s editorial board.

Happiness of Filipinos according to SWS. The SWS report discloses its two survey questions for monitoring happiness, one with the adjective “happy” (masaya) and another with the adjective “satisfied” (nasisiyahan), and both describing the respondent’s present life as a whole. Each option has a four-point scale: Very Happy/Fairly Happy/Not Very Happy/Not At All Happy and Very Satisfied/Fairly Satisfied/Not Very Satisfied/Not At All Satisfied. SWS has asked the “happy-life” question 49 times since 1991, and the satisfied-life question 57 times since 2002; see the report’s charts and tables.

Personally, I think the happy-life option goes straight to the point; I also like to focus more on downside rather than the upside. In 2025, SWS used both options in two surveys, with these average results (in percentages): 32 Very Happy, 52 Fairly Happy, 14 Not Very Happy, and 2 Not At All Happy; and 29 Very Satisfied, 51 Fairly Satisfied, 14 Not Very Satisfied, and 6 Not At All Satisfied. For me, these may be simplified into 16 percent “unhappy” and 20 percent “dissatisfied.”

Back in 2021, when SWS did four surveys, the average unhappy was 17 percent and the average dissatisfied was 21 percent, i.e., 2025 showed a tiny improvement in subjective well-being. (I cite 2021 at this point, for comparability with the WHR which uses a three-year rolling average—last year’s WHR involves data as far back as 2022.)

Happiness according to the World Happiness Report. The WHR’s data are from the annual Gallup World Poll, which asks about life-satisfaction, by likening it to being somewhere on a 10-step ladder (from the ground numbered 0 to the top numbered 10, thus 11 points in all), where 10 is the best life, and 0 is the worst life that the respondent thinks could possibly happen to him/her. This is asked with regard to one’s present life, and also with regard to one’s expected life in five years’ time, and then the two are averaged. The WHR uses rolling averages: its 2026 figure combines 2023 to 2025, and its 2025 figure combines 2022 to 2024.

Personally, I prefer questions answerable by choosing words rather than by choosing a number. The only thing definite about a 0-10 scale is that five is the middle, and therefore, all steps of six upward are satisfactory, while all steps of four downward are unsatisfactory.

In the WHR of 2026, Finland at 7.76 is No. 1 again, while Afghanistan at 1.45 is No. 147 and last (the published figures have three decimal places but here I round to two places). At just over 5.00 is South Africa, No. 101; therefore 101/147 or 68.7 percent of the “peoples” (not identical to “countries”) are, on average, satisfied with their lives to some extent, while 31.3 percent of them are not.

The Philippine score is 6.21, up a little bit from 6.11 in WHR 2025. Its rank is 56th versus 57th last year. Here are the current WHR scores and ranks of our Asean neighbors: 36th Singapore, 6.58; 45th Vietnam, 6.43; 52nd Thailand, 6.30; 71st Malaysia, 6.00; 87th Indonesia, 5.62; 92nd Laos, 5.52; 121st Cambodia, 4.46; and 129th Myanmar, 4.29. I see no figures for Brunei and Timor Leste.

We should not envy any other peoples that have higher scores, nor feel superior to those with lower ones. Happiness is not an international sport; it is no basis for national pride or shame. Other peoples’ achievements do not lessen us; their failings do not enhance us. What happens abroad can teach us what to imitate and what to avoid.

And Bhutan? There’s no WHR data for the country that officially eschews the gross national product. As of a decade ago, its GNH had only two data points (see “Gross National Happiness,” 11/28/15). In 2022, its GNH index was reportedly at .781, with 9.5 percent “deeply happy,” 38.6 percent “extensively happy,” 45.5 percent “narrowly happy,” and 6.4 percent “unhappy.” (investopedia.com)

—————-

mahar.mangahas@sws.org.ph